The Federal Government has approved six international routes for United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) in fulfillment of the Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA).
A letter conveying the approval from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, dated September 8, 2023, signed by Hassan Ejibunu, Director, Air Transport Management, on behalf of Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, mentioned the six routes as United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America (USA).
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Other routes are Amsterdam (Netherlands), Rome (Italy), United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dublin (Ireland).
The approval with the reference number, FMA/ATMD0186/S.5/X/658, was addressed to the Managing Director of the airline and said the designation was in line with the subsisting Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) between Nigeria and the governments of the six countries.
The letter added: “Consequently, the airline is hereby advised to liaise with the Civil Aviation Authorities of the aforementioned countries for documentation prior to commencement of scheduled flight operations.
“However, you are obliged to comply with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulation (CARs) 2023 Part 18.511 by taking further necessary steps to liaise with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in fulfilling the requirements, if necessary.”
The ministry said that it had communicated the approval to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its further necessary action.
“Kindly note that the approval has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its further necessary actions.”
United Nigeria Airlines started flight operations in 2021 and operates scheduled flights in major Nigerian cities.
The airline had earlier obtained approval for regional flights based on which that they are finalising arrangements to commence regional operations in a few weeks upon arrival of their additional aircraft from middle of October.
The designation of the airline to the BASA routes would further boost reciprocity for Nigeria and its carriers.
There have been agitations over BASA imbalance by some aviation stakeholders in Nigeria in the past, stressing that Nigerian travellers are exploited by the foreign carriers due to lack of reciprocity.