Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, on Monday received in audience Alberto Castellar Padilla, the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, in his office in Abuja where both discussed on exploring direct flights to Venezuela.
The working visit is also aimed at strengthening bilateral aviation ties between the nations.
During the meeting, the two envoys discussed the strategic initiative by the Venezuelan government to establish direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Venezuela.
Padilla disclosed that Venezuela’s national carrier, CONVIASA Airlines, is fully prepared and equipped to commence direct flight operations to Nigeria without delay.
He appealed for the cooperation and support of the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure a smooth and timely start to the service.
In response, the Minister lauded the initiative as a significant milestone in deepening Nigeria’s aviation and diplomatic relations with the South American region.
He emphasised the economic and cultural importance of the direct link, which he noted would enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people interactions between both countries.
To fast-track the realisation of this goal, the Minister immediately constituted a Joint Technical Committee comprising officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The committee is tasked with coordinating all necessary approvals and ensuring a seamless entry process for CONVIASA Airlines.
“This is a historic move that aligns with our agenda to open up Nigeria’s airspace to more international routes and foster greater global connectivity,” Keyamo stated. “We welcome CONVIASA Airlines and look forward to a successful partnership that will benefit the people of both nations.”
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