The United Kingdom government has stated that it will respond to the ultimatum issued by Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo in due time.
Recall that on August 1, 2024, Keyamo had warned that unless Nigerian airline, Air Peace, is granted the much-coveted landing slots at London Heathrow Airport, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic could face the possibility of being denied access to Nigeria’s major international gateways, Lagos and Abuja.
Keyamo’s warning was contained in a letter to UK Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh.
He emphasized that the nation’s aviation sector can no longer be sidelined in key international markets, especially as Air Peace has been forced to fly to Gatwick Airport.
Keyamo told his UK counterpart that giving Air Peace Gatwick airport was a blatant violation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both countries, which promotes reciprocal rights for airlines.
Keyamo said that while British carriers enjoy unrestricted access to Nigeria’s tier one airports, which are in Abuja and Lagos, Air Peace has been unable to obtain slots at Heathrow.
He demanded immediate action to rectify the situation, warning that Nigeria will not tolerate the unfair treatment of its national carrier.
Daily Sun subsequently sent a request to the UK’s Transport Secretary, to verify if she has received Keyamo’s letter and what the UK government intends to do to resolve the dispute.
In response, an email was sent by her researcher, Henry Smith, saying the publication’s request has been transferred to the Department of Transport.
Daily Sun then sent a Freedom of Information request to the UK’s Department of Transport and the department acknowledged receipt of the request, saying a response will be issued in due time.
The aforementioned publication also contacted the Minister’s office to verify if there has been a response from the UK government on the issue and his Special Adviser on Media, Tunde Moshood, said none has been received yet.
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