Nigeria Secures Reciprocal Aviation Rights with UAE, Paves Way for Emirates Flight Resumption
Nigeria’s Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has successfully concluded negotiations with United Arab Emirates aviation authorities, a significant step towards restoring international air travel between the two countries.
Talks between the two countries, held in Abu Dhabi, finalised the groundwork for the highly anticipated resumption of Emirates Airlines’ flight operations to Nigeria, set to commence next Tuesday.
The meeting, which saw participation from a high-level Nigerian delegation led by the Minister, also laid the foundation for a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between both countries.
Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister, disclosed in a statement that the agreement is poised to strengthen aviation cooperation and facilitate mutually beneficial relationships between Nigeria and the UAE.
Central to the discussions was the agreement on reciprocal rights, a landmark achievement that ensures Nigerian airlines will soon be able to commence direct flight operations to the UAE.
This breakthrough is expected to greatly enhance Nigeria’s international connectivity and provide more travel options for passengers flying between the two nations.
Speaking on the outcome of the negotiations, Festus Keyamo emphasised the importance of the agreements reached.
“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,” the Minister remarked.
The resumption of Emirates Airlines flights and the establishment of the new BASA comes after weeks of diplomatic and technical consultations.
The Federal Government’s dedication to restoring direct air travel between the two nations underscores its focus on ensuring that both Nigerian and international travellers benefit from enhanced aviation links.
This development is expected to boost tourism, promote business ventures, and encourage cultural exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE, further contributing to economic growth in both regions.
Emirates, which suspended flight service to Nigeria due to inability to repatriate trapped funds and following a visa ban on Nigerians by the UAE, announced in May this year that it would soon resume flights to the country after two years of exit.
