Mr Gangadharan Balasubramanian, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria said the long-awaited direct flights from Nigeria to India are slated to resume on March 31.
Balasubramanian informed the newsmen in Abuja that Air Peace, a private Nigerian airline has finalised plans for the first trip from Lagos to Mumbai, Bombay.
”I can announce to you that Air Peace will be flying directly from Lagos to India on March 31st for the inaugural flight.
“This is part of the implementation of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) aimed at deepening relations between both countries, so I have been invited for the inauguration, ” he stated.
Balasubramanian added that the direct flight will further boost economic, trade, bilateral connections, and people-to-people relationships between both key nations.
“The volume of trade between both countries as of 2022 is 14.95 billion dollars, so we believe agreements such as this will go a long way in boosting our relations,” he added.
He expressed hope that the new route will improve the amount of commerce between both nations while providing a fresh vista of prospects for inhabitants of both countries.
Media claims that Nigeria and the Republic of India have 2019 inked a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), to expand flying operations end to end.
Minister for Aviation, Hadi Sirika had expressed confidence that the deal will further expand collaboration between both nations.
BASA outlines the core structure under which airlines are given bilateral rights to fly to two nations. The frequency, designated airlines of the signatories, origin, intermediate places as well as traffic rights, type of aircraft and tax concerns are generally handled by Memoranda of Understanding.
The new route is intended to further enhance cooperation between the two nations since more than 135 Indian firms now operate in Nigeria.
India is becoming the major destination for Nigerians seeking medical tourism, education, and companies among others.
