Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the Federal Government is working to empower Nigerian airlines to access international routes to the United States and South America. In a recent interview, Keyamo revealed that the government is building on the success of Air Peace’s Lagos-London flight services, which commenced on March 20.
The minister explained that the government is negotiating Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) with other sovereign nations to secure reciprocal rights for Nigerian airlines. This move aims to increase competition and drive down prices. Keyamo noted that British Airways has long dominated these routes, muscling out local airlines, and resulting in high ticket prices for Nigerians.
The government is now focused on enhancing the capacity of local airlines to service these routes. Keyamo highlighted that accessing aircraft is crucial, and the government is exploring leasing options, as most airlines worldwide do not buy their fleets outright. He emphasized that the goal is to empower Nigerian airlines to compete fairly and provide affordable services to citizens.
The minister expressed optimism about the potential for Nigerian airlines to commence direct flights to the US and South America, stating that discussions are underway to make this a reality. By opening up these lucrative routes, the government hopes to reduce prices and increase accessibility for Nigerians.