Aviation Minister Extends Deadline On BA’s Row

Minister of Aviation,

Mrs Stella Oduah-Ogienwonyi, has extended by one week the deadline given to British Airway to cut its frequencies to Lagos from seven to three weekly.

Last week, the federal government reduced the BA’s frequencies to Nigeria from 14 to 10 over the imbalance in the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and United Kingdom.

While BA’s frequencies between Abuja and London remain unhindered, the seven flights between Lagos and London were reduced to three weekly.

Speaking through her Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Joe Obi, the Minister of Aviation explained that the federal government granted the additional one week following the intervention of the British Government in the matter.

“Following discussions between the British and Nigerian authorities on the reduction of British Airways’ slot into the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and appeals by the British government, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah – Ogienwonyi has graciously granted the foreign airline an extension of one week.

“By this development BA can continue to utilise it’s full slots into MM1 Lagos up till Tuesday, November 15, 2011 to give way for further discussions on issues under considerations. The ministry of Aviation however, assures that Nigeria’s national interest will be strongly protected on the on-going negotiations”, Mr. Obi said.

It would be recalled that the Chairman of Arik Air, Sir Johnson Arumeni – Ikhide had sent a petition to the presidency and national Assembly expressing disappointment over alleged denial of slots to his airline on Abuja – London route.

He decried the imbalance in the Bilateral Air Services Agreement signed between Nigeria and United Kingdom as British carriers enjoy 21 weekly frequencies to Nigeria while Arik Air is granted 12 weekly frequencies, leaving the Nigerian carriers with a shortfall of nine frequencies.

Reward Akwu