FG extends British Airways flight slots by one week

Source: pointblanknews.com

 
The Federal Government on Monday gave British Airways (BA) up till Nov.

15, to operate its seven-flight slots into the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

A statement signed by Mr Joe Obi, the Special Assistant (Media) ) to the Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, said the one week grace was sequel to discussions between the British and Nigerian authorities and appeals by the British Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Government had on Nov. 2, reduced BA flight slots from 14 to 10, following complaints by Arik Air of similar treatment by the British Government.

The new directive which should have reduced BA flight frequencies BA to the MMIA, Lagos, to three from seven, would have commenced on Nov. 9.

The statement said: ``The Minister of Aviation, has graciously granted the foreign airline an extension of one week.

``This extension is to give way for further discussions on all the issues under consideration.

``The Ministry of Aviation, however, assures that Nigeria's national interest will be strongly protected in the ongoing negotiations.

It added that by this development, BA could continue to utilise its full slots into MMIA Lagos up till Tuesday, Nov. 15.

(NAN)