Passengers traveling from Dubai to Lagos can now connect seamlessly to Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, Owerri, Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt, and Warri.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has signed the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In a complementary move, Emirates signed an interline agreement with Air Peace. This partnership expands travel choices to 13 cities in Nigeria, improving connectivity and streamlining ticketing.
Nigeria’s signing with the UAE took place during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Keyamo met with H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, to strengthen aviation ties.
Nigeria, UAE Amended BASA
The amended BASA builds on last year’s negotiations, ensuring balanced rights for both nations. The agreement promotes aviation growth through expanded codeshare opportunities and interlining for Nigerian airlines, a statement by Tunde Moshood read.
During the ceremony, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri praised Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, stating, “The Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his word, and for us, that’s everything.”
Beyond BASA, the Minister called for a review of UAE visa restrictions on Nigerians. He emphasized that easing these conditions would increase passenger traffic, benefiting both economies. Nigeria and the UAE also agreed to a Technical Cooperation Agreement. This initiative focuses on safety regulations, environmental sustainability, airport facilitation, and aviation security. The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing these agreements effectively.
The Nigerian delegation included Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of the NCAA; Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN; and other key officials.
The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by UAE’s GCAA, attracted 35 ministers, 191 countries, and over 1,500 aviation professionals. The event featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), showcasing innovations in sustainable aviation.
Emirates, Air Peace Interline Agreement
In another milestone, Emirates and Air Peace signed an interline agreement, expanding travel choices to 13 cities in Nigeria.
Passengers traveling from Dubai to Lagos can now connect seamlessly to Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, Owerri, Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt, and Warri. This partnership enhances business and leisure travel while boosting trade and tourism between Nigeria and the UAE.
Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This agreement strengthens our connectivity, offering more travel options for business and leisure passengers,” he said.
Air Peace Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide, highlighted the airline’s goal of expanding its international reach. “This partnership enhances global connectivity for Nigerian travelers, improving business, tourism, and trade while positioning Nigeria as a key aviation hub,” she stated.
Emirates operates the Dubai-Lagos route with a Boeing 777-300ER, offering premium services and First-Class travel. Air Peace’s fleet includes Airbus 320s, Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, Dornier 328-300 Jets, Embraer 145s, and Embraer 195-E2s.
Expanding travel choices to 13 cities aligns with Air Peace’s mission to improve connectivity. Emirates also strengthens regional links through five codeshare and 19 interline agreements, covering over 223 destinations across Africa.
This growing aviation partnership reinforces the benefits of the newly signed BASA agreement, further deepening Nigeria-UAE relations.
