FG approves resumption of Emirates flights, asks UAE to do same for Air Peace

The Federal Government has approved the resumption of Emirates flight operations to Nigeria.

Recall that the Nigerian government and UAE authorities had been enmeshed in a row over the way a Nigerian carrier, Air Peace was treated.

The Director-General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu, in a letter addressed to His Excellency, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaid, Director General, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, asked the authorities in the middle east country to approve the request by Air Peace for the resumption of passenger flights effective March 1, 2022.

The letter, dated February 1, 2022, with reference: NCAA/DG/CCAA/20/16/119 was titled: ‘Re: Operations of Flights-UAE/Nigeria VV-COVID-19 Safety Decision Issue 24’.

It was also noted that UAE’s safety decision issue has been accepted by Nigerian authorities after reviewing by 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 reviewing 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 was also disclosed that Nigeria’s minister of aviation has approved the reinstatement of Emirates Airlines Winter Schedule with immediate effect.

A tweet shared on NCAA’s handle added;

“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.”