Lagos, Nigeria, November 2019: Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that Emirates Airline is poised to resume its flights to Nigeria in the near future.
This announcement comes after a series of discussions between Minister Keyamo and officials from the airline during the recently concluded Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates.
The news was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Affairs, Odutayo Oluseyi, in Abuja.
The statement highlighted Minister Keyamo’s proactive approach in utilizing the Dubai Airshow to engage with key players in the aviation industry and explore modern technologies that could contribute to his five-point agenda for advancing the aviation sector in Nigeria.
During his visit to the Dubai Airshow, Minister Keyamo took the opportunity to meet with Emirates Airline officials on the sidelines.
The discussions were aimed at addressing the suspension of flights to Nigeria by the airline, which had been initiated in October of the previous year. The airline had cited difficulties repatriating revenue from Nigeria due to challenges related to the country’s foreign exchange policies.
The statement emphasized that the talks were fruitful, with Emirates Airline providing assurance that the resumption of flights to Nigeria would commence soon.
Additionally, the airline confirmed that the government of the United Arab Emirates has granted approval for Nigerian carrier Air Peace Airline, to operate direct flights into and out of Dubai’s main airport.
The suspension of Emirates flights to Nigeria had been a cause for concern, and Minister Keyamo’s diplomatic efforts have now paved the way for the restoration of this crucial international air link.
The development holds promise for increased connectivity and enhanced economic ties between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
The Dubai Airshow, which took place from November 13 to November 17, attracted participants from across the globe, including leading figures in the aviation and aerospace industries.
Minister Keyamo utilized the event to not only facilitate the resumption of Emirates flights but also to explore opportunities for advancing infrastructure development in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
One of the critical aspects discussed was the improvement of infrastructure and the promotion of innovation and creativity in cutting-edge aviation technologies.
Minister Keyamo engaged with representatives from various companies, gaining valuable insights into the latest technologies that could contribute to the advancement of civil aviation in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted a meeting between Minister Keyamo and the management of the Airline Executive, led by CEO Dana Hatcic. The company expressed interest in establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.
The discussions were described as fruitful, and the management of the Airline Executive has been invited to Nigeria for further follow-up on their business plans.
As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its position in the global aviation landscape, Minister Keyamo’s proactive engagement and successful negotiations with Emirates Airline signify a positive step towards fostering international cooperation and enhancing the country’s aviation capabilities.
The resumption of Emirates flights is expected to have a ripple effect on the broader aviation sector, contributing to increased trade, tourism, and economic growth.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
