After numerous diplomatic engagements between Nigerian officials and the United Arab Emirates government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there’s promising news on the horizon.
The UAE airline is gearing up to recommence flights between the two countries ahead of the summer season.
In an exclusive interview with Arise Television on Monday, Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed this development.
He disclosed that the UAE airline had formally expressed its readiness in a letter addressed to the federal government.
The decision to resume flights comes after over a year of suspension due to contentious issues.
Keyamo clarified misconceptions surrounding the earlier reported resolution of the diplomatic standoff, emphasizing that it was not fabricated but perhaps prematurely presented.
In his words:
“Emirates flight resumption is almost happening. I just received a letter from Emirates. The letter is on my phone now. They have gone through all the gamut and they are ready to come back. They will announce the date because to restart a route, they must get an aircraft for that route.”
“I am announcing to Nigerians for the first time; that I just received a letter from Emirates now. The letter is with me. I have a hard copy thanking you for all the efforts we made. Mr. President was the showman here. He was the one who pushed for it. He made my job easy because he went there, and had a diplomatic shuttle to resolve all the issues. That was why I said the last announcement was hasty and not fake news. They will announce the date for their next flight. We have received a letter confirming that all the issues have been resolved and prepared to start coming back. It may be before June.”
Acknowledging the significance of this breakthrough, Keyamo reassured the public of the authenticity of the efforts made during President Tinubu’s visits to the UAE government. With this positive development, travelers can anticipate smoother connectivity and enhanced relations between Nigeria and the UAE.
