Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the successful conclusion of negotiations ahead of the resumption of Emirates Airlines’ flight operations to Nigeria. The breakthrough came following a meeting between the Nigerian delegation, led by Keyamo, and aviation authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday.
This development follows months of suspension of Emirates Airlines’ operations in Nigeria due to issues surrounding blocked funds and bilateral agreements. The minister’s discussions with the UAE aviation authorities also laid the groundwork for a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between both nations, which aims to strengthen and ensure more mutually beneficial aviation ties.
Keyamo shared the news through a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, expressing optimism that the renewed ties between Nigeria and the UAE will boost the aviation sector and enhance economic cooperation between the two countries. The Bilateral Air Service Agreement is expected to provide clearer guidelines on air transport operations, paving the way for smoother interactions between airlines of both nations.
The resumption of Emirates flights is highly anticipated, given the airline’s prominence in international travel and its role in connecting Nigerians to global destinations. This move is also seen as a step toward resolving broader aviation and diplomatic issues between Nigeria and the UAE, including those that had affected visa issuances and business relations.
As the aviation sector in Nigeria continues to grow, this agreement is expected to not only facilitate better flight operations but also contribute to Nigeria’s economic development through improved international air travel connections. The resumption date for Emirates Airlines’ flights to Nigeria will be confirmed following the implementation of the new agreement.
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