Oluwakemi Awe
Nigeria’s aviation industry is poised for a significant boost as the country secures a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a turning point for Nigerian airlines. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the new pact after returning from Dubai, where the agreement was finalized.
The agreement follows two years of strained relations between both nations, which had led to the suspension of Emirates flights to Nigeria and visa issuance to Nigerians. The new deal allows Nigerian carriers unrestricted access to UAE destinations, providing them with more international route options and leveling the playing field in a highly competitive market.
Keyamo emphasised that this agreement is designed to increase competition, which is expected to lead to more affordable fares for Nigerian travelers. The open airspace policy for Nigerian airlines to fly to any UAE destination mirrors the same rights granted to Emirates, creating a reciprocal arrangement that enhances the freedom of Nigerian operators.
The Minister expressed confidence that the deal would improve the fortunes of Nigeria’s aviation sector. “Healthy competition leads to competitive prices for the benefit of the Nigerian people,” Keyamo stated, adding that other airlines had raised fares in the absence of Emirates, capitalizing on the gap left by the UAE carrier.
In addition to improving air access, Nigeria secured a code-sharing agreement that gives Nigerian airlines the right of first refusal. This provision, Keyamo said, empowers local operators to forge partnerships with international carriers, further strengthening the local aviation industry.
The agreement comes alongside other strategic moves by Nigeria to restore confidence in the aviation sector, including the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, which enhances the country’s standing in the aircraft leasing market. This has already contributed to a rising aviation rating, and upcoming policy rollouts are expected to drive further improvements.
Emirates Airlines, set to resume flights to Lagos, welcomed the renewed partnership, praising both Nigerian and UAE authorities for their collaborative efforts. Emirates’ Deputy President expressed optimism about re-establishing routes to one of Africa’s most important economic hubs, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aviation growth.
This new air pact not only strengthens ties between Nigeria and the UAE but also positions Nigeria to become more competitive in the global aviation market, opening up new opportunities for trade, investment, and international connectivity.
Pix Khalid Al Mannaei, CEO, UAE VP office, Political Affairs presenting a gift to Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development (middle) flanked by two Emirates cabin crew ladies during a ceremony to welcome first Emirates flight back to Nigeria at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday
Image from left to right: David Broz, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical and Airline Industry Affairs; Abdulla Al Qahtani, UAE Consulate in Lagos; Khalid Al Mannaei, CEO, UAE VP office, Political Affairs; HE Festus Keyamo, Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia, Emirates; Paulos Legesse, Emirates Country Manager Nigeria, and Captain Chris Najomo, Ag. Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority during the welcome ceremony of Emirates Airline on its return to Nigeria after two years suspension held at the Legend Hotel, Lagos yesterday
