Nigeria, Saudi Arabia To Resume Cargo Flights- Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo has hinted at plans for the resumption of cargo flights between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, soon.

Keyamo while reeling out the achievements of the aviation sector at the 3rd ministerial updates on Monday, said the feat would be achieved through collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to Keyamo, the decision was finalised during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with his counterpart.

“I have good news for you from Saudi Arabia. I met my counterpart in Saudi Arabia and we have agreed to resume cargo flights,” Keyamo stated.

He highlighted that these flights had been suspended for an extended period, but with the new agreement, cargo services are set to be restored, boosting trade and logistical connections between the two nations.

Keyamo also addressed another critical issue on Monday concerning the clearance of foreign airlines’ cash that had been trapped in Nigeria.

The resolution he explained, had paved the way for the return of Emirates Airlines to Nigerian skies.

Emirates had previously announced on May 16, 2024, its plans to recommence flights to Nigerian airports starting from October 1, 2024, after a two-year break from operations in the country.

The service, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, will see flights departing Dubai and arriving in Lagos, with return journeys following suit.

Keyamo added that the FG had also ensured the clearance of a longstanding backlog of trapped funds for foreign airlines.

This, he noted, has positively impacted the financial stability of the aviation industry.

A statement issued by the CBN Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Ali in January said the Federal Government had ‘concluded the payment of all verified claims’’ by foreign airlines with the payment of an additional $64.44m to concerned airlines.

The development had brought the total verified amount paid to the air transport sector to $136.73m, adding that “all the verified airline claims had now been cleared.”