Nigerian Aviation: Keyamo Welcomes Emirates' Comeback, Predicts Competitive Pricing

Emirates Nigeria Return - Keyamo Sees Opportunities for Domestic Airlines

“A healthy competition leads to competitive pricing for the benefit of the Nigerian people...”

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, anticipates emirates' return to Nigeria will stimulate growth for local airlines, foster competitive pricing, and enhance passenger experience.

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has assured that Emirates Airlines is committed to Nigeria, following his arrival in Lagos aboard the airline's aircraft from the UAE on Wednesday. This development is a significant boost to the country's aviation sector.

Keyamo emphasized that the bilateral air service agreement (BASA) discussions aimed to secure the route for local operators, ensuring a level playing field . With this agreement, Nigerian carriers can now explore opportunities to fly into any destination in the UAE, expanding their route networks and increasing connectivity.

This partnership is expected to foster healthy competition, leading to better services and competitive pricing for passengers. Emirates' commitment to Nigeria is a testament to the country's growing importance in the global aviation landscape. The airline has been innovating its services, including a new hospitality strategy and expanded travel insurance coverage.

Key Benefits of the Partnership:

Increased Route Accessibility: Local carriers can fly into any UAE destination

Enhanced Competition: Better services and competitive pricing for passengers

Improved Connectivity: Expanded route networks for Nigerian carriers

This development is a positive step for Nigeria's aviation sector, and Keyamo's assurance is a welcome move for stakeholders and passengers alike.

“With this, we have more competition on different international routes now. That is what it's all about, to ensure a healthy competition,” the minister said.

“A healthy competition leads to competitive pricing for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

“But you also know that why we fought for this, is that Dubai in particular, is a major hub of the world, it links virtually every country.

“For our airlines too, I can tell you that we also secured some kind of code sharing agreement. We told them that if you want to code share, our airlines will have the right of first refusal.”

Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Aviation Minister, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his crucial role in securing Emirates' return to Nigeria and restoring the nation's relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Keyamo noted that the previous strained relations, caused by visa suspensions and flight disruptions, had negatively impacted Nigerian investors in the UAE.

He emphasized that President Tinubu's commitment to mending ties with key international partners, like the UAE, has been instrumental in resolving the issues. With the signing of a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), Nigerian airlines can now fly to any destination in the UAE, boosting competition and leading to competitive pricing for passengers.

Major Outcomes of the Agreement:

Restored Relationship: Nigeria and the UAE have restored their relationship, benefiting Nigerian investors and travelers.

Increased Competition: Local airlines can now fly to any UAE destination, promoting healthy competition.

Competitive Pricing: Passengers will enjoy better services and competitive pricing due to increased competition.

Code-Sharing Agreements: Emirates is in talks with Nigerian airlines for potential code-sharing partnerships.

“The relationship went downhill with visa suspension and suspension of their flights for Nigerians, it was especially damaging, because we know that Nigerians have a lot of investments in the UAE," he noted.

“They have a lot of interest and investments there so, eventually it was not an adventure in self-glorification, it was actually a fight for the people of Nigeria especially.

“We signed a new BASA defining our relationship altogether, again making it more healthy, more open and for the benefits especially of the Nigerian people.”

Emirates temporarily suspended services to Nigeria in November 2022 due to unresolved issues surrounding the repatriation of $85 million in revenues.

This suspension was a result of Nigeria's foreign exchange crisis, which made it challenging for international airlines to repatriate their earnings. The issue has since been resolved, paving the way for Emirates' return to Nigeria.

Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Aviation Minister, revealed on April 8, 2024, that Emirates Airlines had sent him a letter, confirming the resolution of all issues and their readiness to resume flights to Nigeria. This development marked a significant milestone in the efforts to restore Emirates' operations in the country, which had been suspended since 2022 due to difficulties in repatriating revenue. 

Keyamo attributed the breakthrough to President Bola Tinubu's diplomatic efforts, stating that the President's involvement made his job easier. With the issues now resolved, Emirates was poised to announce a specific date for the resumption of flights, which was expected to occur before June 2024.