Finally profitable, Etihad Airways focuses on A350s, B787s

Abuja considers axing foreign carriers' route authorities

Nigeria is willing to cancel multiple route designations granted to some foreign airlines operating to the West African country once Nigerian carriers have the required capacity to meet travel demand.

This was the word from new Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyama in a briefing to aviation correspondents in Abuja at the weekend, the Independent reports.

Keyamo emphasised the federal government's commitment to reviewing Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) that grant foreign airlines access to various Nigerian airports. However, he also highlighted the government's top priority as ensuring the safety and well-being of travellers. "I have said it, but before I touch those BASAs, don't forget that a part of that benefits the Nigeri­an people and the local airlines. I should be here for all. If I go this way, the airlines will complain, and if I go the other way, people will complain." Keyama stressed the need for a balance and highlighted the importance of supporting Nigerian interests and ensuring that the Nigerian people ultimately benefit from these agreements.

As of October 2021, Nigeria...

UAE official denies lifted visa ban on Nigerians - report

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has contradicted claims by the Nigerian government that it is lifting a year-long visa ban on Nigerian travellers, reports CNN.

An unidentified UAE official told the broadcaster that there have been no changes in the travel status between Nigeria and the UAE so far. The report could not be verified independently, but neither the UAE government nor Emirates (EK, Dubai International) has made an official statement on the issue.

On September 11, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that Emirates and Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) would resume flights to Nigeria following an agreement between Tinubu and Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which also resulted in the immediate lifting of a UAE visa ban on Nigerians. According to the Emirates News Agency, both leaders "explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration in areas that serve both countries' sustainable economic growth". Mohamed expressed his hope that the two leaders would work together to reinforce ties between the UAE and Nigeria, but mentioned no lifting of the visa...

Etihad Airways to wet-lease in A330 capacity

UAE's Emirates, Etihad to restore flights to Nigeria

Emirates (EK, Dubai International) and Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) will resume flights to Nigeria even though the West African country will not make any immediate payment of outstanding foreign exchange to the two airlines, according to a statement by the spokesman for Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This follows an agreement between Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on September 11, which also resulted in the immediate lifting of a UAE visa ban on Nigerians.

Flights will be restored "without further delay", said Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu's special advisor. "As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government," he said. However, the leaders announced a new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two governments, details of which will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Diplomatic relations between the two nations have thawed since the appointment of Tinubu, ending a...