Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has announced a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, granting Nigerian airlines full access to all UAE airports
In return, UAE airlines, including Emirates, will have unrestricted access to Nigerian airports.
Keyamo made this announcement during a press briefing marking Emirates Airlines’ return to Nigeria, as reported by Channels Television.
Highlighting the importance of the agreement, Keyamo stated, “The first thing we did when we went to negotiate a new Bilateral Service Agreement was to secure the route for our local operators. If you look at the new BASA, it says to any destination. Our agreement with them is they fly to any destination in Nigeria, and we fly to any destination in the UAE. So, it’s purely reciprocal in that respect.”
Under the new agreement, Nigerian airlines will have access to major UAE airports, including Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi International (AUH), Sharjah International (SHJ), Al Maktoum International (DWC), and Ras Al Khaimah International (RKT). This marks a significant expansion of opportunities for Nigerian carriers once the arrangement is fully operational.
Keyamo highlighted that this landmark deal aims to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector, enhance competition, and potentially lower airfares, ultimately providing more travel options for Nigerian passengers.
The minister also revealed that the new BASA deal grants Nigerian airlines the right of first refusal for any potential code-sharing arrangements with UAE carriers, particularly Emirates Airlines.
This ensures that Nigerian operators will have the first opportunity to engage in partnerships before such opportunities are extended to other airlines.
“We told them that if they want to code-share, our airlines should have the right of first refusal because there will be a lot of code-sharing in this respect,” Keyamo expounded.
Code-sharing is an arrangement in which two or more airlines share the same flight, allowing passengers to book seats under their airline’s flight number while traveling on a partner airline.
This collaboration enhances convenience for travelers by broadening the range of destinations available without the need for airlines to operate additional flights.
Keyamo noted that Emirates Airlines is currently in discussions with several Nigerian carriers to establish code-sharing partnerships. These collaborations are anticipated to strengthen the local aviation industry and offer more travel options for Nigerian passengers.
In October 2022, Emirates Airlines suspended flights to Nigeria due to difficulties in repatriating trapped funds, despite assurances from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
A year later, during a diplomatic visit, President Bola Tinubu secured an agreement with the UAE President to lift the visa ban on Nigerians and resume flights.
Emirates confirmed plans to restart operations on October 1, 2024.
