The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, disclosed that United Arab Emirates (UAE) airlines are on the verge of resuming flight operations to Nigeria, potentially before June.
Speaking on the Morning Show programme on Arise TV, Keyamo revealed that Emirates Airline had sent a letter confirming the resolution of all pertinent issues, paving the way for their return.
“Emirates flight resumption is almost happening. I just received a letter from Emirates,” Keyamo affirmed, noting the thorough process undertaken by the airline. “They will announce the date for their next flight,” he added, emphasising the readiness of Emirates to recommence operations.
The UAE’s ban on citizens from about 20 African countries, including Nigeria, which was imposed in October 2022, had halted flight operations between the two nations. However, Keyamo’s announcement signals a positive step towards restoring air travel connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE.
Additionally, Keyamo addressed legal obstacles hindering Nigerian airlines from competing effectively on the global stage. He highlighted concerns regarding aircraft leasing practices and their compliance with international conventions, particularly the Cape Town Leasing Convention.
Keyamo explained, “They [international aviation working groups] have blacklisted Nigerians because they don’t comply with the Cape Town Convention. They said it is a legal problem.” He cited instances where local businessmen, failing to fulfil obligations under dry leases, obtained injunctions to prevent the removal of leased aircraft from Nigeria, adversely impacting the country’s aviation reputation.
To tackle this issue, Keyamo disclosed ongoing efforts with the Attorney General of the Federation and the judiciary to draft practice directions aimed at aligning Nigerian laws with international standards. These directions would advise judges against granting injunctions for the detention of aircraft on dry lease, thus facilitating smoother operations for local and international carriers alike.
In conclusion, while prospects for the resumption of UAE airline operations in Nigeria appear promising, the government is actively addressing legal impediments to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian airlines in the global aviation industry.
