The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has announced the details of a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This development marks a significant turning point in the two nations’ aviation relationship, which had soured nearly two years ago following the UAE’s suspension of visa issuance to Nigerians and Emirates Airlines’ cessation of flights to Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after returning from Dubai, where the agreement was signed, Keyamo revealed that one of the major achievements of the new BASA was securing the Dubai route for Nigerian airlines. He emphasized that the agreement grants Nigerian carriers unrestricted access to any UAE destination, a reciprocal arrangement that allows UAE airlines the same privileges in Nigeria.
Keyamo explained that the two-year suspension of Emirates flights had left a void, with other international airlines raising fares and increasing frequencies due to the lack of competition. The return of Emirates is expected to promote healthy competition and provide more choices for Nigerian travelers, potentially reducing fares.
“When Emirates suspended operations, many other airlines took advantage of the situation, but now we are restoring balance,” Keyamo noted. “This new agreement ensures that our airlines can operate on any route to the UAE, which is a major hub linking countries worldwide. For Nigerian travelers, this opens more options and better prices.”
In addition to the BASA, Keyamo disclosed that Emirates is currently in talks with several Nigerian carriers to establish codeshare agreements, an arrangement where airlines share routes and revenue. Nigerian airlines have been granted the right of first refusal in these deals, ensuring that local operators benefit from increased international connectivity. The Minister highlighted that this is part of the government’s commitment to bolstering the local aviation industry.
“We secured codeshare agreements for our local airlines, giving them the right of first refusal,” Keyamo said. “Emirates is already engaging with many Nigerian carriers, and this will provide more opportunities for our local operators to thrive.”
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for his personal intervention in restoring diplomatic relations with the UAE, which had deteriorated following the suspension of visas and flights. According to Keyamo, the resumption of flights and the new BASA are the results of the President’s efforts to rebuild ties with key international partners.
Moreover, Keyamo mentioned that the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, which Nigeria adopted earlier this year, has significantly improved the country’s aviation rating. This practice direction enhances Nigeria’s compliance with international aircraft leasing standards, making the country more attractive to lessors and improving opportunities for local airlines to expand their fleets.
Emirates Airlines, represented by Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adil Al Ghaith, expressed excitement over the resumption of operations in Nigeria, praising the Nigerian and UAE authorities for their support. “We are thrilled to reconnect travelers between Nigeria and Dubai and look forward to contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry,” Al Ghaith said.
The airline’s return, marked by the landing of Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, signals the restoration of a key air route, benefitting both travelers and businesses between Nigeria and the UAE.
