By Nurat Uthman
The United Nigeria Airlines, one of the country’s top airlines, has been given permission to operate international flights.
The approval, granted by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, allows the airline to fly to various destinations including the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
A letter from the Ministry, dated September 8, 2023, confirms the approval and is signed by Mr. H.T. Ejiburu, the Director of Air Transport Management, on behalf of Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The letter states that the approval is in accordance with the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and each of the countries mentioned.
The letter reads as follows: “We have received your letter of August 2, 2023, regarding the above subject. On behalf of the Minister, I am pleased to inform you that Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited has been designated to operate international flights to the following countries and cities: Netherlands (Amsterdam), Italy (Rome), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Dubai), United Kingdom (London), United States of America (USA) (Houston), and Ireland (Dublin).
“This designation aligns with the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the governments of the six mentioned countries.
“Please note that the airline should coordinate with the Civil Aviation Authorities of the aforementioned countries to complete the necessary documentation before starting scheduled flight operations.
Additionally, it is important to comply with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig. CARs (2023) Part 18.5.1.1 A-C) and liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to fulfill any additional requirements if needed.
“Please be aware that the approval has been reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further action.”
“Kindly note that the approval has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its further necessary actions.”
United Nigeria Airlines, with Prof Obiora Okonkwo OFR as Chairman, started flight operations in 2021and operate 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 couple of weeks upon arrival of their additional aircraft from middle of October.
