The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has granted approval to Nigeria’s flagship carrier, Air Peace Airline, to operate direct flights to and from Dubai. This announcement was made by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, at the conclusion of the 2023 Dubai Airshow in the UAE. Keyamo utilized the event to explore cutting-edge technologies in leading aviation and aerospace industries that could support his Five Point Agenda for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
In addition to Air Peace’s approval, Keyamo revealed that Emirates Airlines, which had halted operations in Nigeria due to challenges repatriating earnings, expressed its readiness to recommence direct flights to the country.
According to Odutayo Oluseyi, the Head of Press and Public Affairs in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo’s meeting with Emirates officials during the Dubai Airshow yielded positive results. The airline management assured the Minister that the resumption of flights to Nigeria would occur soon.
During the event, Keyamo engaged with the executives of Airline Executive, led by CEO Dana Hatcic, who expressed interest in establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.
The statement also highlighted Keyamo’s vision for a maiden edition of the Nigeria Air Show in November 2024, making Nigeria the first African country to organize such an event.
Keyamo’s visit to the pavilions of global aviation and aerospace industries aimed at exploring modern technologies to support his 5-Point agenda, focusing on infrastructure improvement and the promotion of innovation and creativity in civil aviation technologies.
The Dubai Airshow, held from November 13 to 17, attracted participants from around the world, featuring specialists and industry leaders in aviation and aerospace.
Recall that in November 2022, Emirates suspended flights to Nigeria, citing challenges in repatriating revenue earned in the country.
