The Nigerian government has concluded negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to pave the way for Emirates Airlines to resume flights to Nigeria on October 1st.
This agreement marks an important milestone in the development of aviation relations between the two countries.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led a technical team in constructive discussions with UAE aviation authorities to ensure smooth reintroduction of Emirates into Nigerian airspace.
The meeting also laid the foundation for the new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the UAE, aimed at strengthening cooperation and establishing guidelines for the two countries’ evolving relationship in the aviation sector. .
A key outcome of the negotiations was a reciprocal rights agreement, which will allow Nigerian airlines to begin operating direct flights to the UAE.
This historic development is expected to expand international connections and offer more options for travelers between the two countries.
The Minister said: “We are pleased to have secured interoperability rights for Nigerian airlines. This will not only deepen our bilateral relationship but also strengthen the international competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation industry.” ”
“Today’s discussions reaffirm our commitment to fostering a balanced and positive partnership with the UAE. As Emirates returns to Nigeria, we look forward to a growing and mutually beneficial air service relationship. I look forward to bringing it to you.”
The agreement was concluded after weeks of diplomatic and technical consultations aimed at resuming direct air transport between Nigeria and the UAE.
The Federal Government’s dedication to ensuring the best possible outcomes for both Nigerian and international travelers is evident throughout the process.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ vice president and chief commercial officer, recently said: “We are excited to resume service to Nigeria.” Services between Lagos and Dubai have traditionally been popular with Nigerian customers and we want to reconnect leisure and business travelers to Dubai and beyond with our network of over 140 destinations. I am.
“We would like to thank the Nigerian Government for their partnership and support in restarting this route and look forward to seeing passengers on board again. With the resumption of service to Nigeria, Emirates will operate 157 weekly flights from Dubai, serving 19 of Africa’s The airline will also have access to a further 130 regional hubs in Africa through codeshare and interline partnerships with South African Airways, Airlink, Royal Air Maroc, Tunis Airways and more.
He said Nigeria and the UAE have long had strong bilateral trade relations as Africa’s major economic hub with Lagos as the country’s commercial hub.
The resumption of daily passenger flights will see the airline’s cargo arm, Emirates SkyCargo, further strengthen its trade relationship by providing capacity to carry over 300 tonnes of belly-hold cargo weekly to and from Lagos. .
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