The Federal Government has lifted the ban on Emirates Airlines following a diplomatic agreement with the UAE authorities.
Checkout Magazine learnt that Federal Government granted operation approval to Emirate Airline after an undertaking by the authorities of the United Arabs Emirates (UAE).
Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, said the commencement of the airline’s operations would depend on the take off of visa issuance by the UAE to Nigerians.
According to a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, the Minister said: “UAE has written to state that they agree to issue visas to Nigerians, consequently decision has been reached to allow Emirates to fly into Nigeria.
“Commencement of the Visa issuance is condition precedent. Please bear with this unusual situation.”
Recall that Checkout Magazine reported that Federal Government had banned the airline from operating International flights within Nigeria’s airspace because of the inability of Nigerians to obtain/use valid tourist visas to enter the UAE.
The minister had said the decision to place a similar ban on the airline was taken to protect the interests of the nation and its citizens who deserved to be treated with respect and dignity the same way Nigeria treats other nationals.
