Nigeria-UAE Flight Services Resume as Emirates Returns

Emirates Returns to Nigeria After Groundbreaking UAE Deal

“Ahead of the resumption of Emirates flights to Nigeria next week Tuesday, I was in the UAE earlier today, together with my technical team...”

Nigeria-UAE flights resume Oct 1, 2024. Emirates returns after successful aviation talks. Discover enhanced routes, trade opportunities & cultural exchange.

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are strengthening their aviation ties. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, met with UAE aviation authorities, paving the way for resumed flights between the two nations. This strategic meeting, held last Friday in the UAE, aimed to reinforce their Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA). The BASA allows both countries unrestricted access to each other's primary airports, laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration and mutual benefits in aviation.

Keyamo's efforts align with President Bola Tinubu's “Renewed Hope” agenda, focusing on advancing Nigeria's aviation sector. As Minister, Keyamo has been actively engaging with international partners, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, to elevate global connectivity and foster innovation. His visit to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria demonstrated the government's commitment to improving aviation education and infrastructure [3).

The renewed BASA agreement is expected to boost economic cooperation, tourism, and cultural exchange between Nigeria and the UAE. With Keyamo at the helm, Nigeria's aviation sector is poised for significant growth and development.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently led a high-level Nigerian technical delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to finalize negotiations for Emirates Airlines' return to Nigeria. The airline is set to resume operations on October 1, 2024, after a brief hiatus.

Keyamo's discussions with UAE aviation authorities aimed to ensure a seamless return of Emirates Airlines to Nigerian airspace. This move is expected to boost economic cooperation, tourism, and cultural exchange between Nigeria and the UAE. Emirates will operate daily flights between Lagos and Dubai using a Boeing 777-300ER, offering passengers more choice and connectivity.

The resumption of Emirates' services will also strengthen Nigeria's trade relations with the UAE, particularly in cargo transport. Emirates SkyCargo will provide over 300 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity weekly, facilitating the export of Nigerian goods to key markets like the UAE, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

Key Details of Emirates' Return to Nigeria:

Resumption Date: October 1, 2024
Flight Frequency: Daily
Route: Lagos to Dubai
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Cargo Capacity: Over 300 tonnes weekly

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have made significant progress in their aviation negotiations. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, successfully secured reciprocal operational rights for Nigerian airlines, enabling them to commence direct flights to the UAE.

. This breakthrough will strengthen bilateral ties and boost Nigeria's aviation industry competitiveness globally.

Before the suspension, Air Peace was the only Nigerian airline operating direct flights to Sharjah, one of the UAE's seven emirates. With this new agreement, Nigerian carriers will have access to UAE airports, promoting fair competition and expanded international routes.

Key Outcomes of the Negotiations:

Reciprocal Rights: Nigerian airlines can operate direct flights to the UAE.

Increased Competition: Fair competition between Nigerian and UAE airlines.

Expanded Routes: Nigerian carriers can explore new international routes.

This development follows previous challenges, including the UAE's denial of Air Peace's requested slots at Sharjah Airport and Emirates' reduced operations in Nigeria. However, with Keyamo's efforts, the aviation industry is poised for growth and enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE.

“As Emirates returns to Nigeria, we look forward to a thriving and mutually beneficial air service relationship.”

The aviation industry in Nigeria is getting a boost as Emirates Airlines is set to resume its operations in the country starting October 1, 2024. This development comes after a series of diplomatic and technical consultations aimed at restoring direct air travel between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Federal Government's efforts demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for both Nigerian and international travelers.

The resumed flight operations by Emirates, combined with the new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), will play a crucial role in promoting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE. This move is also expected to foster economic growth, creating opportunities for Nigerian businesses to export goods to key markets such as the UAE, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

Key Benefits of the Resumed Flight Operations:

Enhanced Connectivity: Daily flights between Lagos and Dubai, offering passengers more choices and connectivity.

Increased Trade: Over 300 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity weekly, supporting Nigerian businesses.

Economic Growth: Boosting economic cooperation, tourism, and cultural exchange between Nigeria and the UAE.

Improved Travel Experience: Passengers can enjoy regionally inspired menus, premium beverages, and over 6,500 channels of global entertainment.

Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed the agreement and resumption of flights by posting a message on social media platform X, accompanied by photos of himself and the Emirati delegation. This announcement follows successful negotiations with UAE aviation authorities, securing reciprocal operational rights for Nigerian airlines and paving the way for Emirates Airlines' return to Nigeria. The new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) will enhance collaboration, establish guidelines, and promote tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE.

“Ahead of the resumption of Emirates flights to Nigeria next week Tuesday, I was in the UAE earlier today, together with my technical team, for the negotiation of a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between both countries to guide our new relationship henceforth,” the minister wrote on Friday.

“Today, we firmly agreed on the reciprocal rights our local airlines will also have to begin flight operations to the UAE.”