Nigeria, Venezuela To Launch Direct Flights As Aviation Minister Meets Envoy

Nigeria and Venezuela are poised to establish direct flight operations between both countries, following a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, and the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Alberto Castellar Padilla. The meeting took place on Monday in Abuja as part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral aviation and diplomatic ties.

According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Venezuelan envoy expressed his country’s readiness to commence direct air connectivity through its national carrier, CONVIASA Airlines. Ambassador Padilla stated that the airline is fully prepared to begin flight operations to Nigeria and appealed for the cooperation of the Federal Government to expedite the process.

Minister Keyamo lauded the initiative as a “historic move” that aligns with Nigeria’s broader agenda to expand international air routes and foster global connectivity. He highlighted the potential economic and cultural benefits of direct flights, noting they would boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

To facilitate a swift and seamless rollout, the Minister immediately constituted a Joint Technical Committee made up of officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The committee is tasked with securing all necessary approvals and ensuring smooth entry for CONVIASA Airlines into the Nigerian aviation space.

“This is not just about aviation—it’s about building bridges between our continents,” Keyamo said. “We welcome this partnership and are committed to seeing it succeed.”

The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to work closely to ensure the timely commencement of flight operations, marking a significant step forward in Nigeria-Venezuela relations.