United Nigeria receives approval for flights to US, Netherlands, Italy, and UAE – United Nigeria Airlines has been granted authorization to operate international flights.
According to the sanction of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the airline would operate international flights to the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The approval was in accordance with the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and each of the countries, according to a letter dated 8 September 2023 and signed by the Director of Air Transport Management on behalf of Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The letter was addressed to United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited.
The letter reads: “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 2nd August 2023 on the above subject and convey the Honourable Minister’s approval for the designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited to operate international flight operations to the countries and cities listed below: Netherlands (Amsterdam), Italy (Rome), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Dubai), United Kingdom (London), United States of America (USA) (Houston), and Ireland (Dublin).
“The designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited is consistent with the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the governments of the six countries listed.
“Therefore, the airline is hereby advised to consult with the Civil Aviation Authorities of the aforementioned nations prior to commencing scheduled flight operations in order to obtain the necessary documentation. Nevertheless, you must comply with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig. CARs (2023) Part 18.5.1.1 A-C by, if necessary, taking additional measures to coordinate with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in meeting the requirements.
“Kindly take note that the approval has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its further necessary actions.”
United Nigeria Airlines, whose chairman is Obiora Okonkwo, began flight operations in 2021 and operates scheduled flights to key cities in Nigeria.
The airline had previously obtained sanction for regional flights, and is now finalising plans to launch regional operations in a couple of weeks, following the mid-October arrival of additional aircraft.