The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ibrahim Kana, says the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, will soon be a hub for foreign airlines.

Mr Kana said this on Tuesday night at the inaugural second daily frequency launch by Ethiopian Airlines into Lagos.

Commending the airline’s 14 weekly flight schedules in and out of Lagos, Mr Kana said that other airlines would be welcome.

He said, “For us in Nigeria and the Ministry of Aviation, our dream is to see that Lagos becomes a hub and, in no distant future, I can guarantee you that where we are standing here will be a hub for many airlines. The drive is to make Lagos the capital of Africa in terms of business and commerce, and that we can achieve through aviation and aerospace activities. All other airlines that want to fly into Nigeria are welcome. We also have other international airports such as Abuja airport, Port Harcourt airport and, indeed, Kano airport. These airports are open for all international airlines.’’

Mr Kana said that the ministry did not hesitate to grant  the request of Ethiopian Airlines  for doubling  of its daily flights in and out of Lagos,

The Area Manager, Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, said the inaugural second daily frequency to Lagos demonstrated the airline’s dedication to serving Nigerians with more flexibility and affordable flight options.

She said: “This additional flight brings Ethiopian Airlines frequency in Nigeria to 31 weekly flights from all stations –  Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Enugu. Fourteen weekly flights to/from Lagos with early morning, mid-day and evening departures make Ethiopian Airlines the most preferred by passengers for its flexible and convenient options.

“With this second daily flight, we can connect all of our 66 African destinations within 12 hours of flight time. There will be no need for layovers as there are instant connections available to Asia, Middle East, India, Africa and to the rest of 150 global destinations.”

Ms Mekonnen urged passengers to take advantage of the second frequency and the opportunity it would offer them.

“With this, ET (Ethiopian Airlines) is willing and able to partner and support travel and tourism in Nigeria. We have also offered to support inbound and outbound tourism in Nigeria. In the coming months, ET will unfold its plan to support tourism in Nigeria with the recent success of Detty December, Carnival Calabar, Ojude Oba and Durbar festivals in Nigeria,” she said.

The area manager thanked the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and the regulatory authorities for  support.

She added that the flight would be departing with 147 passengers in economy and eight in business class.

She noted that the flight which came from Addis Ababa transported 114 passengers in economy and one passenger in business class. The full load shows Nigerians’ love and support for Ethiopian Airlines.

The aircraft, on arrival in Lagos, was greeted with the iconic water connon salute.

Representatives of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Skyway Aviation Handling Company, among others, were present at the event. 

(NAN)