Victor EzejaFollowing the diplomatic row that ensued between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria, the UAE aviation authority has finally backed down, granting seven weekly flight landing slots to Air Peace airline at Dubai International Airports
The Nigerian carrier had previously been flying to Sharjah Airports only.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) sent a letter of the approval to Air Peace on December 13th, 2021, a copy of which was seen by Prime Business Africa.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDCAA in the letter said, “We write in reference to Air Peace possible/intended operations to/from Dubai Airports (DXB). We have received information from Dubai Airports, with regard to slot availability at DXB – Terminal 1, and as a gesture of goodwill and in support of UAE and Nigeria relations, in case Air Peace wish to start their flights, slots have been blocked by Dubai Airports.”
UAE had earlier refused to grant Air Peace a request for three slots at Sharjah Airports, granting only one. Nigerian ministry of aviation in retaliation, withdrew the 21 weekly flight slots it earlier approved for Emirates Airline.
The minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika had said the action was in reciprocation for UAE’s action against Air Peace.
Air Peace which is the only Nigerian indigenous carrier flying to UAE had on Saturday written to the minister of aviation explaining what transpired between it and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The current development means that UAE wants to end the row which Nigeria also do not want, a source in the ministry of foreign affairs said.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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