The Nigerian government has reached agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities on reciprocal flight rights, thus allowing Nigerian airlines to fly directly to the UAE. This development comes ahead of the resumption of flight operations by Emirates Airlines to Nigeria next Tuesday.
A Nigerian delegation led by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, concluded negotiations with the aviation authorities of the UAE. The agreement specifies the terms and scope of bilateral relations in the field of air transport and promotes activities of the two countries.
With the operation rights of Nigerian airlines secured, they will be able to initiate direct flights to the UAE hence increasing their international reach and providing the passengers with more travel options. Additionally, a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) will cover airline operations between Nigeria and the UAE.
Keyamo explained, “The negotiations held today are an affirmation of our desire to build a fair and sustainable partnership with the UAE. We are happy to have attained reciprocal operational rights for Nigerian carriers, which deepens our partnership and Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
This agreement follows several weeks of diplomatic and technical engagements that executed air travel reinstatement between Nigeria and the UAE. Anticipated tourism, business and cultural activities, and also economic development are likely as the operations of Emirates resume alongside the new BASA.
In this latest development, Nigerian airlines are set to enhance their international operations while the return of Emirates to Nigeria will offer other travel alternatives to the people. The Federal Government still strives to guarantee the best possible results for both Nigerian and International travellers.
