After 24 years, the US and Nigeria implement the “Open Skies” air transport agreement

The implementation of the “open skies” air transport agreement between the United States and Nigeria has improved civil aviation relations and stimulated trade and tourism.

A “open skies” air transport agreement between the United States and Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has started to be implemented, some 24 years after the bilateral agreement’s initial tentative application.

According to a statement posted on the US Embassy’s website over the weekend, the agreement now creates a contemporary civil aviation relationship with Nigeria.

The statement claims that this maintains the highest levels of aviation security and safety and is compliant with US Open Skies international aviation policy.

It emphasized that the deal contains clauses allowing for unlimited flight frequency and capacity, uncontrolled access to routes, a lax charter policy, and unrestricted chances for code-sharing.

The announcement said that the US-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement was a major step toward liberalizing the continent of Africa’s international civil aviation industry.

It was mentioned that the bilateral agreement fosters people-to-people connections, expands business prospects for travel agencies, airlines, and travelers, and fortifies the robust economic and commercial partnership between the two nations.

Additionally, it described how the US-Nigeria aviation Transport Agreement enables airlines to offer shippers and passengers more economical, practical, and effective aviation services, thereby fostering tourism and business.

The action, according to the statement, intends to maximize airline operating flexibility and minimize interference from the US government, promoting a competitive and customer-friendly aviation industry.

Open Skies agreements have increased joint marketing opportunities, according to the US Department of State, which is in charge of enforcing agreements pertaining to civil aviation.

Furthermore, it emphasizes that strict safety and security requirements were upheld although charter laws were liberalized and general airline operations were made more flexible.

“On May 13, 2024, the US-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement, which has been in effect since 2000, came into full force. With pledges to the highest levels of aviation security and safety, this bilateral agreement forges a contemporary civil aviation relationship with Nigeria in line with the US Open Skies international aviation policy.

“Unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, a lax charter system, and open code-sharing opportunities are all permitted under the terms of the agreement.

“This agreement further strengthens our strong economic and commercial connection, fosters people-to-people ties, and opens up new prospects for airlines, travel agencies, and customers. It also marks a step forward in liberalizing the international civil aviation industry in Africa.

According to the statement, “this agreement allows air carriers to offer travelers and shippers more economical, practical, and effective air services, which in turn promotes tourism and commerce.”