The United Arab Emirates has conceded seven slots to Air Peace, the Nation reported.
According to the report, the concession which appears as a move to avert diplomatic row between Nigeria and the UAE was given on Monday.
Air Peace was also granted the permit to fly directly to Dubai instead of Sharjah Airport, the report said citing a source.
The concession of slots to Air Peace was disclosed in a letter to the carrier on December 13, which was also received by the Federal Government, according to the report.
Meanwhile, the government said it was not aware of Nigerians travelers being barred from entering Dubai.
“In the letter, the UAE said Air Peace can fly directly to Dubai and not Sharjah Airport. This is the latest on the development,” the report stated citing a source.
“Even though they did not follow the right diplomatic channel by writing the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs which will in turn inform the Aviation Minister, this is still a positive development.”
Asked if the UAE has stopped other carriers from conveying Nigerians to Dubai, the source said: “This is in the realm of rumours. I don’t think it is true. No official communication banning Nigerians from entering Dubai through other carriers. If anybody has such a directive, let him or her produce it. It will be in gross violation of international civil aviation regulations.
“The Federal Government got no such information at the diplomatic or official level. I think with the latest concessions, the UAE was trying to avoid a diplomatic row with Nigeria. We also do not want any row with the UAE.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
