The recent agreement between Nigeria and the UAE to resume flight operations has sparked concerns over potential disadvantages for Nigerian carriers. Emirates Airlines has resumed flights to Nigeria, and Air Peace has been granted direct flight rights to Dubai, marking a step forward in aviation relations. However, the bilateral air services agreement (BASA) has raised questions about whether it ensures equitable opportunities for Nigerian airlines compared to their UAE counterparts.
Previously, Air Peace faced challenges in accessing Dubai’s tier-one airport, which limited its competitive potential. Although the revised BASA guarantees reciprocal rights, some analysts worry that Nigerian airlines may still struggle to compete due to disparities in operational capacities, infrastructure, and access to lucrative routes. For instance, Emirates benefits from advanced infrastructure and higher flight frequencies, which can overshadow the relatively limited resources of Nigerian carriers.
The federal government, led by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, has expressed optimism, emphasizing that the agreement promotes a balanced partnership. Measures such as exploring maintenance facilities in Nigeria and hosting the first African airshow in 2025 aim to boost the local aviation sector. However, the situation underscores the need for long-term investments in Nigerian aviation to level the playing field.
