In a major boost for Nigeria's air travel industry, a new aviation agreement between Nigeria and Canada has been signed, paving the way for direct scheduled flights between the two countries for the first time. The agreement, which replaces an older arrangement that only allowed airlines to partner through code-sharing, was signed in Abuja by Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, representing Nigeria's Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Shendra Melia, Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs Canada.
Direct Flights Set to Revolutionise Travel Between Nigeria and Canada
Under the new Bilateral Air Transport Agreement (BASA), airlines from both countries will be allowed to operate up to 14 passenger flights every week, as well as up to 10 weekly cargo flights. This will not only reduce travel times but also provide more flight options for passengers. The agreement also allows more than one airline from each country to operate the route, which could lead to more competitive ticket prices over time.
Before the new agreement, travellers flying between Nigeria and Canada had to connect through third-country hubs such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Doha, Dubai or Atlanta because there were no direct scheduled flights between the two countries. The journey can take more than 20 hours and sometimes even close to two days. Once airlines begin operating direct services under the new agreement, passengers could spend far less time travelling and avoid the stress of long layovers and multiple connections.
Air Canada Plans to Launch Lagos Flights in 2027
Air Canada has announced plans to begin regulatory steps toward launching direct flights between Canada and Lagos by 2027 under the newly expanded air agreement. Following the announcement, Air Canada said it welcomes the new agreement and plans to begin the process of securing approvals to launch flights to Lagos in 2027. The airline said it will announce flight schedules and other details once all regulatory requirements have been met.
The agreement is especially important for Nigerian students, as Canada remains one of the most popular study destinations for Nigerians. According to Canadian authorities, air travel demand between Nigeria and Canada has more than doubled over the past decade, making Nigeria Canada's third-largest air travel market in Africa.
Families, Business Travellers, and Tourists to Benefit
Families, business travellers, and tourists are also expected to benefit from easier access between both countries. The new agreement will make it easier for thousands of people to travel between Nigeria and Canada every year. Nigeria's Director of Air Transport Management, Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, said the agreement is a major boost for the country's air travel industry and will provide more opportunities for Nigerians to travel to Canada.
The agreement will also allow for special cargo rights that allow freight airlines to carry goods between third countries, provided the journey starts or ends in Nigeria or Canada. This will make it easier for businesses to transport goods between the two countries. The agreement was signed on Nigeria's behalf by Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, Director of Air Transport Management, representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
In conclusion, the new aviation agreement between Nigeria and Canada is a major step forward for the country's air travel industry. It will provide more opportunities for Nigerians to travel to Canada, reduce travel times, and make it easier for businesses to transport goods between the two countries. As Air Canada plans to launch direct flights to Lagos in 2027, it remains to be seen how the new agreement will shape the future of air travel between Nigeria and Canada.
Source: Pulse.ng
