.jpeg)
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that Nigeria's recently established Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the United Arab Emirates allows Nigerian airlines unrestricted access to all airports within the UAE.
In exchange, airlines from the UAE, including Emirates, will have unrestricted access to airports throughout Nigeria.
Keyamo shared this information during a press conference that followed the ceremony marking Emirates Airlines' return to Nigeria, as reported by Channels Television.
Emphasizing the significance of the agreement, Keyamo remarked, “Our primary objective during the negotiation of the new Bilateral Service Agreement was to secure routes for our domestic operators. The new BASA clearly states that they can fly to any destination in Nigeria, and we can fly to any destination in the UAE. This arrangement is entirely reciprocal.”
This agreement means that, once fully implemented, Nigerian airlines will have access to major UAE airports such as Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi International (AUH), Sharjah International (SHJ), Al Maktoum International (DWC), and Ras Al Khaimah International (RKT).
The minister underscored that this significant agreement is poised to enhance Nigeria’s aviation industry, increase competition, and potentially lower airfares, thereby providing more travel options for Nigerian travelers.
Additionally, the Minister indicated that under the new BASA, Nigerian airlines will have the right of first refusal in any potential code-sharing agreements with UAE carriers, particularly Emirates Airlines.
This provision ensures that Nigerian operators will be prioritized for participation in any partnership opportunities before they are extended to other airlines.
Keyamo stated, “We informed them that if they wish to engage in code-sharing, our airlines should be granted the right of first refusal, as there will be significant code-sharing opportunities in this context.”
Code-sharing refers to an arrangement in which multiple airlines operate the same flight, enabling passengers to book seats on flights run by a partner airline using their own flight number. This partnership enhances convenience for travelers by broadening the range of destinations accessible without necessitating additional flights from the airlines involved.
Keyamo further noted that Emirates Airlines is currently in talks with various Nigerian airlines to form these partnerships, which are anticipated to bolster the local aviation sector and offer more travel choices for Nigerian travelers.
In October 2022, Emirates Airlines halted flights to Nigeria due to difficulties in repatriating trapped funds, despite the Central Bank of Nigeria's assurances.
A year later, during a diplomatic visit, President Bola Tinubu secured an agreement with the UAE President to lift the visa restrictions on Nigerians and to resume flights.
By May 2024, Emirates announced its intention to restart operations on October 1, 2024.
Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, recently declared that the country has obtained reciprocal flight rights for Nigerian airlines to operate in the UAE under a new BASA agreement.
Keyamo also indicated during the ceremony celebrating the resumption of Emirates Airlines operations to Nigeria that the visa challenges faced by Nigerians with the UAE are expected to normalize soon.