Nigeria and Venezuela are on track to deepen bilateral ties with the introduction of direct flight operations between the two countries, following a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, Alberto Castellar Padilla.
The meeting, held Monday in Abuja, focused on advancing discussions around direct air connectivity as part of a broader diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations. Ambassador Padilla revealed that Venezuela’s state-owned carrier, CONVIASA Airlines, is ready to commence direct flights to Nigeria immediately, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
The envoy requested Nigeria’s cooperation in expediting the operational launch, noting that the new route would boost tourism, trade, and diplomatic ties between South America and Africa.
In his remarks, Minister Keyamo hailed the proposal as a “strategic and historic development” that fits into Nigeria’s broader aviation expansion plans.
“We see this as an opportunity to improve global connectivity, foster international partnerships, and stimulate economic growth through enhanced air transport,” he said.
To accelerate the process, the Minister established a Joint Technical Committee composed of officials from the Ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The committee will oversee all technical, operational, and regulatory requirements for CONVIASA’s entry into the Nigerian airspace.
Keyamo affirmed that Nigeria is open to increased aviation partnerships and looks forward to welcoming CONVIASA as a new international carrier operating in the country.
The two officials ended the session with a shared commitment to ensuring direct flights between Caracas and Abuja or Lagos commence as swiftly as possible.
