In compliance with Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA), the Federal Government has granted approval to United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) for six international routes. This authorization was conveyed in a letter dated September 8, 2023, from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The letter, signed by Hassan Ejibunu, Director of Air Transport Management, on behalf of Mr. Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, outlines the six approved routes: United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Rome (Italy), United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Dublin (Ireland).

The approval, denoted by reference number FMA/ATMD0186/S.5/X/658, was directed to the Managing Director of the airline. It specified that the designation of routes aligns with the existing Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) between Nigeria and the governments of the six respective countries.

The letter also conveyed the following message: "Consequently, the airline is hereby advised to collaborate with the Civil Aviation Authorities of the mentioned countries to complete the necessary documentation before commencing scheduled flight operations."

Nonetheless, it emphasized the obligation of compliance with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulation (CARs) 2023 Part 18.511. The airline is urged to take any essential steps required to liaise with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to fulfill these requirements if necessary.

The ministry has informed that it has forwarded the approval to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for subsequent necessary procedures.

Achillus Chud-Uchegbu, the spokesperson for UNA, confirmed this news to our correspondent.

UNA initiated its flight operations in 2021, offering scheduled flights within major Nigerian cities.

Having previously secured approval for regional flights, the airline is now in the final stages of preparation to commence regional operations in the coming weeks, once their additional aircraft arrives in mid-October.

The airline's designation for BASA routes will serve to enhance reciprocity for Nigeria and its carriers.

In the past, various aviation stakeholders in Nigeria have voiced concerns about the imbalance in Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs). They have highlighted that foreign carriers often take advantage of Nigerian travelers because of the absence of reciprocity.

Ambassador Ikechi Uko, a travel expert, shared with our correspondent that BASAs involve ongoing discussions and negotiations between two nations. He emphasized that no one can place blame on another country for their own failure to reciprocate flights.

He remarked, "It's unjust to cast blame on others when you haven't clearly defined your stance. It's crucial to determine our priorities. What are our requirements? What goals do we aim to accomplish in the field of aviation?"