Keyamo Finalizes Bilateral Air Deal With UAE Ahead Of Emirates’ Nigeria Resumption

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has finalized a reciprocal flight arrangement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant milestone in aviation relations between the two nations. The new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) is set to strengthen aviation ties and comes ahead of the anticipated October 1 resumption of Emirates Airlines’ operations in Nigeria.

The agreement was sealed during a meeting on Friday, where the minister, alongside his technical team, held discussions with UAE aviation authorities to ensure the smooth reintroduction of Emirates Airlines into Nigerian airspace. According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, the talks focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and establishing guidelines for the evolving partnership in the aviation sector.

A key achievement of the negotiations was the agreement on reciprocal rights, allowing Nigerian airlines to begin direct flights to the UAE. The statement emphasized that this development marks a historic moment for Nigeria’s aviation industry, expanding international connectivity and offering travelers more options between the two countries.

Moshood quoted the minister, 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 agreement is the result of extensive diplomatic and technical consultations aimed at restoring direct air travel between Nigeria and the UAE, further solidifying their aviation partnership.