The United Arab Emirates (UAE) caves in and offers Air Peace seven flight slots
In what appears to be an attempt to avoid a diplomatic row, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has apparently given Air Peace seven slots.
Touchaheart Nigeria reports that according to The Nation, the Nigerian carrier has been granted permission to fly directly to Dubai rather than Sharjah Airport. This was allegedly communicated in a letter dated December 13th, 2021, written to Air Peace.
Despite the fact that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not copied, the letter was received by the Federal Government, according to the publication.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had withdrawn Emirates Airline’s 21 weekly flight frequency (NCAA).
Following the refusal of Sharjah Airport Authorities and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to provide Air Peace the three slots it asked, the federal government instead handed Emirates airline a weekly slot in Abuja.
A source said;
“In the letter, the UAE said Air Peace can fly directly to Dubai and not Sharjah Airport. This is the latest on the development.
“Even though they did not follow the right diplomatic channel by writing the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs which will in turn inform the Aviation Minister, this is still a positive development.”
READ MORE: President Buhari Has Done His Best-Olusegun Obasanjo
When asked if the UAE has stopped other carriers from conveying Nigerians to Dubai, the source said:
“This is in the realm of rumours. I don’t think it is true. No official communication banning Nigerians from entering Dubai through other carriers. If anybody has such a directive, let him or her produce it. It will be in gross violation of international civil aviation regulations.
“The Federal Government got no such information at the diplomatic or official level. I think with the latest concessions, the UAE was trying to avoid a diplomatic row with Nigeria. We also do not want any row with the UAE.”
