Nigerian airlines, such as Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines, are preparing to start flights to the United States in the near future.
This initiative follows the Federal Government’s approval and increased support to help domestic airlines expand their international services.
It would be recalled that a few months ago, Air Peace had commenced its historic Lagos-London international flights with much fanfare.
The airline later hinted that it plans to start operating flights from Abuja to New York and Houston by the end of 2024 following approvals by the aviation regulatory agency.
Recently, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, committed to reducing the cost of international flights.
He also outlined strategies to enable local airlines to dominate international routes shortly.
Keyamo emphasised that, through the President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry is working to remove obstacles and create a favourable environment for both domestic and international airlines to thrive.
Tunde Moshood, Keyamo’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications, informed The PUNCH that the government is prepared to assign additional international routes to domestic airlines.
He said:
An anonymous representative from the Airline Operators of Nigeria confirmed that Air Peace has recently received approval to fly to the US.
The representative also mentioned that other airlines are currently being considered for similar opportunities.
He said:
Osita Okonkwo, the Chief Operating Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, stated that the airline is ready to begin operations, emphasising that the primary challenge is obtaining slots and permits from US authorities.
He said:
In related news, TimesNow.com.ng reported that Foreign airlines operating from Lagos to London have continued to slash their fares since Air Peace entered the route.
Airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and others have crashed their fares on the route as competition gets together.
Checks showed that the cost of economy class tickets from Lagos to London for some airlines, which went for an average of N2.5 million, has reduced to an average of N1.5 million.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
