The Aviation Round Table (ART), a pressure group in Nigeria’s aviation sector, has praised the Federal Government for reciprocating Nigeria’s flag carrier’s flight frequency into the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Dr Gabriel Olowo, the group’s president, also praised the Nigerian government in a statement issued in Ikeja on Saturday for reciprocating the UAE’s choice of entry points into Nigeria.
The Federal Government withdrew its previous approval for Emirates Airlines’ winter schedule on Thursday, reducing the carrier’s daily flights to Abuja to once a week.
Capt. Musa Nuhu, Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, conveyed Nigeria’s decision in a letter to Emirates Airlines Nigeria’s Country Manager.
“I wish to inform you of the withdrawal of the approval granted to Emirates Airlines Winter Schedule,” the letter titled “Withdrawal of Ministerial Approval of Emirates Airlines Winter Schedule” read in part.
This withdrawal will take effect on Sunday, December 12, 2021.
“Please be advised that, from now on, Emirates Airlines has been granted permission to operate only one weekly passenger frequency to Abuja on Thursdays.”
“Please follow the new directive and be guided accordingly.”
In response to the government’s directive, Dr. Olowo stated in a statement issued by the group that the Federal Government was on the right track with the reciprocity order against Emirate Airlines routes and entry points.
Previously, Emirates Airline operated 21 weekly flights into Lagos and Abuja airports, while the UAE granted Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, only one weekly flight to Sharjah Airport.
Despite the fact that Nigeria’s flag carrier only applied for three weekly flights into the UAE.’
“I am overjoyed to read the current government decision that our long-standing agitation for schedule reciprocity with Nigeria is finally being addressed.”
“This confirms the professionalism and love for Nigeria of the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and Capt. Nuhu in addressing the negative trade balance with countries participating in Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement,” he said.
Olowo went on to say that the ART believed that the correction of these anomalies would be applied to all foreign operations in Nigeria, rather than just a few.
He stated that the Federal Government’s decision remained a necessary and sufficient condition for its carriers to gain access to markets.
He stated that the government’s decision would address anti-competition practices prevalent in Nigeria, as well as build strong Nigerian flag carriers and, as a result, a strong economy.
Following Nigeria’s decision on Thursday, Emirates Airlines announced on Friday that flights between Nigeria and Dubai would be suspended beginning Monday.
It stated in the announcement that its final flight between Dubai and the cities of Lagos and Abuja would take place on December 12.
“Due to a recently imposed directive limiting Emirates to one flight per week to Nigeria via Abuja, Emirates will suspend flights between Nigeria and Dubai.”
“This will be until the UAE and Nigeria work out a solution to the ongoing issue,” said the airline.
“Emirates is committed to its operations in Nigeria, and we stand ready to resume services once the Nigerian authorities lift the restrictions.”
“This is to give travelers more options and access to trade and tourism opportunities in Dubai, as well as beyond to our network of over 120 destinations.”
“Customers carrying tickets with final destinations Lagos and Abuja will not be accepted at the place of origin,” the airline stated.
It gave customers the option of deferring their bookings until flights resumed.
Passenger services between the UAE and Nigeria have been restricted since March, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).