Emirates flight activities to Nigeria have been officially authorized by the Federal Government.
Remember 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.
The letter dated February 1, 2022, with the reference NCAA/DG/CCAA/20/16/119, was titled: ‘Re: Operations of Flights-UAE/Nigeria VV-COVID-19 Safety Decision Issue 24.’
The UAE’s safety decision has also been approved by the Nigerian authorities following its evaluation by the relevant parties.
The letter read, “Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority extends its compliments to the General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates.
“Your letter of 28 January 2022 with Ref GCAA/ATD/19-22 on the above subject matter refers.
“I wish to inform you that the safety decision issue has been accepted by Nigerian authorities after review by relevant parties.
“Consequently, Emirates Airlines can resume scheduled passenger flight operations to Nigeria at its convenience.
“I wish to bring to the notice of HE that the Nigerian operator, Air Peace Airlines has submitted its request to UAE Authorities for resumption of scheduled passenger flights between the two countries effective 01 March 2022.”
It also revealed on its official Twitter page that Nigeria’s aviation minister has approved the immediate resumption of Emirates Airlines’ Winter Schedule.
It said, “Following the review and acceptance of the “Safety Decision 2021-02 Issue 24” as released by UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) by the Federal Government, the minister of aviation has approved the reinstatement of Emirates Airlines Winter Schedule with immediate effect.
“Consequently, Air Peace and Emirates Airlines are liberty to resume scheduled passenger flights between Nigeria and UAE under the terms and conditions of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two countries.
“All parties must ensure strict compliance with the COVID-19 Travel Protocols of both countries.”