By Olapeju Olubi
In what may be described as opening a new vista for Nigeria’s aviation landscape, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has unveiled a new aviation deal, which gives Nigerian airlines unlimited access to all airports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The breakthrough follows the signing of a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between the two nations, marking a new chapter in air travel collaboration.
The new deal was disclosed by the Minister in Lagos on Wednesday during the resumption of flights by Emirates, where he emphasised that the fresh BASA agreement ensures Nigerian airlines can fly to any airport in the UAE and by that savour all opportunities therein.
“With this new agreement, Nigerian airlines now have the freedom to operate at any airport across the UAE, including major hubs like Dubai International (DXB), Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
“This expanded access will foster greater competition, which will directly benefit Nigerian travelers by offering more choices and competitive pricing on international routes”, he said.
He stressed that the agreement was rooted in reciprocity, with both Nigerian and UAE carriers gaining mutual access to each other’s airspace without restrictions.
According to Keyamo, this was a top priority in the negotiations, which aimed to level the playing field and provide Nigerian airlines with the same opportunities as their UAE counterparts.
“I made it clear during negotiations that one of our key objectives was to secure access to all UAE airports for our domestic airlines. Now, our carriers can fly to any destination in the UAE, just as UAE airlines can fly to any part of Nigeria. This is a win-win situation for both countries and, most importantly, for our travelers who will benefit from enhanced service quality and competitive fares.”
Keyamo highlighted that the resumption of Emirates flights symbolises a restoration of a vital connection between Nigeria and the UAE, which had been disrupted due to a suspension of services.
He acknowledged the impact this had on both countries, but expressed optimism that the renewed agreement would strengthen the aviation relationship going forward.
“Dubai is a critical global hub, connecting travelers to virtually every corner of the world. Restoring these air links was essential for us, and I am glad we could reach an agreement that benefits both sides. The UAE’s suspension of flights affected both their economy and ours, and we have worked hard to ensure a better deal moving forward,” Keyamo noted.
In addition to the expanded access, Keyamo revealed that the new agreement includes provisions for code-sharing opportunities between Nigeria and UAE airlines.
This, he said, would create further opportunities for Nigerian carriers to expand their operations globally.
“We’ve made sure that Nigerian airlines have the first right of refusal when it comes to code-sharing agreements with UAE airlines.
This presents an excellent opportunity for our local operators to grow and reach new markets.
Talks are already underway between UAE carriers and some of our airlines,” Keyamo explained.
The minister’s announcement has been met with enthusiasm by stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector, as it represents a significant boost for the industry.
With access to all UAE airports and the possibility of forging international partnerships through code-sharing, Nigerian airlines are poised to enhance their global footprint. Moreover, Nigerian travelers can look forward to more affordable flights and better travel experiences as competition intensifies on key international routes.
As Nigeria and the UAE rekindle their aviation partnership, stakeholders are optimistic that the new era of open skies is expected to stimulate not just air travel, but also trade, tourism, and economic ties between both nations.
