Emirates Airlines and Nigeria’s Air Peace have formalized an interline agreement under the auspices of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This collaboration is designed to significantly improve travel connectivity for passengers moving between the two countries.
The agreement allows Emirates to expand its network to cover 13 additional Nigerian cities. Passengers can now book single-ticket journeys from Dubai to Lagos, with connections to cities like Asaba, Akure, Benin, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Owerri. Furthermore, the pact facilitates travel to Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt, and Warri, enhancing options for corporate and leisure travelers alike.
Statements from Key Executives
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, highlighted the partnership as a pivotal move in enhancing connectivity and travel options for various types of travelers from Nigeria. On the other side, Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting it as a step towards providing seamless, world-class travel experiences while also boosting Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Operational Details
With the implementation of this agreement, travelers will find booking and travel logistics simplified. They can book international flights from any of the 13 cities in Nigeria with Emirates, where Air Peace will facilitate the domestic leg of the journey, ensuring a smooth connection to international flights.
Broader Bilateral Agreements
The signing of this interline pact coincides with the amendment of the BASA between Nigeria and the UAE. This was formalized during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, with signatures from Nigeria’s Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, and UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri.
Additional Agreements and Future Prospects
The BASA amendment includes plans for expanding codeshare agreements, capacity building, and technical support, focusing on safety, airport facilitation, and security. Keyamo emphasized the importance of these enhancements for connectivity and suggested a review of visa restrictions to potentially increase passenger traffic, which would be mutually beneficial for both nations.
This strategic partnership not only promises to revolutionize travel options for Nigerians but also positions Nigeria as a key aviation hub in the region. The readiness of both countries to implement and maximize the benefits from this agreement sets a hopeful tone for future collaborations in the aviation sector.
