The Federal Government has given approval for the resumption of United Arab Emirates (UAE) flight operations to Nigeria.
This is according to a communique released on Wednesday by the Director-General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Musa Nuhu, and made available to newsmen.
Captain Musa emphasized in the statement that the approval comes following the review and acceptance of the “Safety Decision 2021-02 Issue 24” as released by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and by the Federal Government.
The letter stated that the Minister of Aviation has also approved the reinstatement of Emirates Airlines Winter Schedule with immediate effect. He added that all parties have been informed accordingly.
The letter also informed the GCAA that Nigerian carrier, Air Peace has submitted its request to UAE authorities for resumption of scheduled passenger flights between the two countries effective March 1, 2022.
According to the letter, Air peace and Emirates Airlines are at liberty to resume scheduled passenger flights between Nigeria and UAE under the terms and conditions of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two countries.
The letter reads in part: “Your letter of 28 January 2022 with Ref GCAA/ATD/19-22 on the above subject matter refers. I wish to inform you that the safety decision issue has been accepted by Nigerian authorities after reviewing by relevant parties.
“Consequently, Emirates Airlines can resume scheduled passenger flight operations to Nigeria at its convenience.
“I wish to bring to the notice of HE that the Nigerian operator, Air Peace Airlines has submitted its request to UAE Authorities for resumption of scheduled passenger flights between the two countries effective 01 March 2022.”
Nuhu also said in the letter that all parties must ensure strict compliance with the COVID-19 travel protocols of both countries and re-assured the traveling public that the Federal Government would continue to ensure the provision of air services while protecting national’s interests at all times.
You would recall that Nigeria and UAE have been engulfed in a diplomatic row for several months overflight services and adherence to Covid-19 protocols.
The Nigerian Government had initially approved the winter schedule of 21 weekly frequencies for Emirates Airlines, but later withdrew it and restricted the airline to only Abuja and one weekly flight.
Nuhu had said that it withdrew the approval following the refusal of the GCAA to grant equal rights to the sole Nigerian carrier, Air Peace flying to Dubai via Sharjah.
