Nigeria, Canada sign new air deal for direct flights between both countries

Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will pave the way for direct scheduled flights between both countries for the first time.

The agreement was signed in Abuja by officials from the two countries and expands the existing bilateral air services framework.

Under the new arrangement, multiple designated airlines from each country will be permitted to operate up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly cargo flights. The agreement also provides Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for all-cargo operations.

The development is expected to significantly improve air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada while creating new opportunities in trade, tourism, business, investment and education.

It is also expected to strengthen people-to-people and cultural ties between both countries, particularly given the large number of Nigerians travelling to Canada for education and other purposes.

More than 25,000 Nigerians currently hold valid Canadian study permits, highlighting the importance of improved direct air links between the two countries.

The latest agreement represents the first major expansion of the Nigeria-Canada Air Transport framework since it was initially negotiated in 2014.

The new deal is therefore expected to make travel between Nigeria and Canada easier while supporting stronger economic and diplomatic relations between both countries.