Turkey requests more flights into Nigeria

…Serious foreign airlines to be considered -Sirika

The government of Turkey has requested to fly into more Nigeria cities. This request was made recently when the ambassador of Turkey to Nigeria paid a visit to Nigeria’s Minister of State ( Aviation), Sen. Hadi Sirika in Abuja. According to a statement from the office of the Minister, signed by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, Mr. James Odaudu, “the Turkish Ambassador, HE Hakan Cakil told the Minister that he was in the Ministry to express his country’s gratitude for the excellent relationship between the two countries, especially in the aviation sector, and to explore more areas of cooperation. 

“He requested, on behalf of the Turkish Airlines for more frequencies in airlines’ operations in Nigeria, saying that with the nation’s population and air traffic volume, the request can be granted for mutual benefits.

“He also commended the Nigerian government for the show of support for his country during its trying periods, especially the recent attempt by subversive elements to derail the course of democratic governance.

In his response to the request, the Minister stated that, “ government would give consideration to requests by serious foreign airlines for increased flight frequencies as long as the nation’s interests are not compromised.”

The minister who made these promises while receiving the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hakan Cakil in his office, said the nation’s relationship with foreign airlines would be based strictly on the Bilateral Air Services Agreements with the Airline’s home governments.

He informed the Ambassador of Government’s determination to revamp the aviation sector through the concessioning of its airports, beginning with "the big four" in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt. The concession, he said, is to address issues of infrastructure, and ensure world class maintenance.

He commended the cordial relationship that exists between Nigeria and Turkey, and condemned the recent coup attempt in Turkey, describing it as undesirable and anti-development.

The Turkish airline currently flies into Lagos, Abuja and Kano in Nigeria.