Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has reached a landmark agreement with the United Arab Emirates to allow Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to the UAE.
This development comes as Emirates Airlines prepares to resume its flight operations to Nigeria next Tuesday.
According to a statement by Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the minister, the negotiations between the Nigerian and UAE aviation authorities also laid the groundwork for a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA). This agreement will strengthen the partnership between the two nations and set guidelines for their future cooperation in the aviation sector.
“The Honourable Minister, accompanied by his technical team, engaged in constructive discussions with UAE aviation authorities to ensure the smooth reintroduction of Emirates Airlines into the Nigerian airspace next week Tuesday,” the statement said.
One of the key outcomes of the negotiations was securing reciprocal rights for Nigerian airlines to commence direct flights to the UAE. This is seen as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s aviation industry, increasing international connectivity and providing more travel options between the two countries.
Speaking on the agreement, Mr. Keyamo said, “Today’s discussions reaffirm our commitment to fostering a balanced and forward-looking partnership with the UAE. We are pleased to have secured reciprocal operational rights for Nigerian airlines, which will not only deepen our bilateral ties but also strengthen the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation industry.”
He also noted that the resumption of Emirates flights and the new BASA would play a crucial role in promoting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE, as well as fostering economic growth.
The agreement follows weeks of diplomatic talks and technical consultations aimed at restoring direct air travel between the two nations, signaling the Nigerian government’s commitment to enhancing travel options for both local and international passengers.
