The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has concluded a reciprocal flight arrangement with the United Arab Emirates.
The PUNCH gathered that the new Bilateral Air Service Agreement between both nations is to ensure stronger and mutually beneficial aviation ties in anticipation of the October 1 resumption of Emirate airline’s air service operations to Nigeria.
This final agreement was sealed at a meeting on Friday.
The minister, accompanied by his technical team, engaged in discussions with UAE aviation authorities, to ensure smooth reintroduction of Emirates Airlines into the Nigerian airspace next Tuesday.
A statement made available to PUNCH Online by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Tunde Moshood, on Friday, stated that a focal point of the talks was to enhance collaboration between the two countries and establish guidelines for their evolving relationship in the aviation sector.
The statement read, “Crucially, the negotiations also yielded a significant agreement on reciprocal rights, ensuring that Nigerian airlines will soon have the opportunity to commence direct flight operations to the UAE.
“This marks a historic development for Nigeria’s aviation industry, expanding international connectivity and offering more options to travellers between the two nations.”
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Moshood quoted the minister as saying, “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. As Emirates returns to Nigeria, we look forward to a thriving and mutually beneficial air service relationship.”
This development is the crescendo of diplomatic and technical consultations aimed at restoring direct air travel between Nigeria and the UAE.
(Punch)
