FG Approves Abuja,Kano Routes For Emirates Airline

 

The Federal Government has confirmed the approval of Emirates Airlines to fly from both the Nnamdi Azikiwe and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airports.

Director of Air Transport in the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Hassan Musa confirmed to newsmen this week. He also hinted that both South African and Turkish Airlines are jostling for the Abuja route.

Hassan who is one the officials designated by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah to sign the Bilateral Air Services Agreement  (BASA) for Nigeria explained that foreign or local airlines requested to fly certain routes, while the designated countries negotiated on the request based on existing BASA agreements standardised by International Civil Aviation Organisation before it is granted.

Emirates Airlines under the United Arab Emirates he confirmed, “has since been approved to operate from Abuja and Kano airports,” but said “the airline is still fine-tuning their logistics and business plan to fly the route. “To be honest Emirates under UAE has been approved to fly from Abuja and Kano Airports.  The decision on when to start depends on them. The Minister has asked them to start. Ours also have rights to start. Every airline needs to do the fulfill obligation. We can’t tell them when to start. But anytime they are ready, they can start. It is not our duty to tell them. Aviation is a global.”