FG signs MoU for direct flights to Seychelles

The Federal Government has announced that it will soon begin direct flight operations to the Republic of Seychelles.

This was in a statement by the Minister's Special Assistant for Public Affairs, James Odaudu, made available to reporters on Thursday.

The announcement came after the Federal Executive Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding and initial Air Services Agreement between the two countries, adding that both countries had previously ratified the agreement.

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Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika using the platform of the ongoing International Civil Aviation Negotiations (ICAN 2022) event being held in Abuja led ministry officials to signing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement while the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Seychelles, Anthony Derjacques, signed on behalf of his country.

The statement reads: "During the ceremony, the two ministers stressed the importance of BASA as it will promote air services and connectivity between the two countries, strengthen business and promote tourism.

"They both agreed that the signing would further promote the African Union's Agenda 2063 and called on the citizens of both countries to seize the opportunities of BASA for their mutual benefits.

“Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Aviation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Initial Air Services Agreement with Senegal, Benin Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Finland, Cameroon, Morocco, Suriname, India, Sudan and Uganda."

The ministry also held discussions on how to continue implementing the Open Skies Agreement, signed 30 years ago, with the United States of America.