Emirates flying operations to Nigeria have been authorized by the Federal Government.
Recall that the Nigerian government and the UAE authorities were embroiled in a dispute over the treatment of a Nigerian carrier, Air Peace.
Capt. Musa Nuhu, Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), wrote to His Excellency, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaid, Director General, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, requesting that the authorities in the Middle East approve Air Peace’s request to resume passenger flights on March 1, 2022.
‘Re: Operations of Flights-UAE/Nigeria VV-COVID-19 Safety Decision Issue 24′ was the headline of the letter, which was dated February 1, 2022, and referenced NCAA/DG/CCAA/20/16/119.
It was also noted that UAE’s safety decision issue has been accepted by Nigerian authorities after reviewing by relevant parties.
The letter read;
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority expresses its gratitude to the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority.”
“On the aforementioned issue matter, your letter of 28 January 2022 with Ref GCAA/ATD/19-22 references.
“I am writing to notify you that the Nigerian authorities have approved the safety decision problem following a review by relevant parties.”
“As a result, Emirates Airlines can resume scheduled passenger flights to Nigeria whenever it wants.”
“I’d like to bring to HE’s attention the fact that Air Peace Airlines, a Nigerian airline, has submitted a request to the UAE authorities for the resumption of scheduled passenger flights between the two nations, effective March 1, 2022.”
It was also revealed that Nigeria’s aviation minister has approved the immediate resumption of Emirates Airlines’ Winter Schedule.
According to a tweet from the NCAA’s account,
“Following the Federal Government’s evaluation and acceptance of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) “Safety Decision 2021-02 Issue 24,” the minister of aviation has approved the reintroduction of Emirates Airlines’ Winter Schedule with immediate effect.”
“As a result, under the terms and conditions of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two nations, Air Peace and Emirates Airlines are free to restart scheduled passenger flights between Nigeria and the UAE.”
“All parties must ensure strict adherence to each nations’ COVID-19 Travel Protocols.”