Venezuela to Launch Direct Flights to Nigeria Via CONVIASA Airlines
- The Venezuelan government, through its ambassador Alberto Castellar Padilla, has expressed readiness to launch direct flights to Nigeria via CONVIASA Airlines
- Nigerian Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to boost cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between the two countries
- A joint technical committee has been set up to facilitate necessary approvals and ensure the smooth start of the new flight operations
Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has 5-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market.
The Venezuelan government has stated that it is prepared to start offering direct flights to Nigeria via CONVIASA Airlines, the country's flag carrier.
Source: Getty Images
The Venezuelan ambassador to Nigeria, Alberto Castellar Padilla, visited Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in Abuja on Monday as part of a working visit.
The visit aimed to improve bilateral aviation links between the two countries, according to a statement released on Tuesday by Tunde Moshood, the minister's special adviser on media and communications.
“During the meeting, the two envoys discussed the strategic initiative by the Venezuelan government to establish direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Venezuela,” the statement reads.
To guarantee a seamless and prompt launch of the service, Padilla reportedly appealed for the Nigerian government's cooperation and support during the meeting.
“Venezuela’s national carrier, CONVIASA Airlines, is fully prepared and equipped to commence direct flight operations to Nigeria without delay,” the envoy was quoted as saying.
Keyamo described the move as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria's aviation and diplomatic ties with South America, according to the statement.
He emphasised the direct link's cultural and economic significance, pointing out that it would improve people-to-people contacts, trade, and tourism between the two nations.
“This is a historic move that aligns with our agenda to open up Nigeria’s airspace to more international routes and foster greater global connectivity,” Keyamo said.
“We welcome CONVIASA Airlines and look forward to a successful partnership that will benefit the people of both nations.”
Moshood stated that, to expedite achieving the objective, the minister established a joint technical committee with representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Source: Getty Images
The group is responsible for organising all required approvals and ensuring a smooth entry procedure for CONVIASA Airlines, according to the media assistant.
He added that all parties expressed a willingness to work closely together to ensure that flight operations begin as soon as feasible following the conference.
Nigeria-Venezuela: 60 years of relations
Nigeria and Venezuela have maintained diplomatic relations since 1965, grounded in shared membership in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and mutual interests in the oil and gas sectors.
Over the decades, their collaboration has expanded into areas such as agriculture, aviation, education, and defence. Notably, in 2018, both nations signed twelve agreements encompassing diverse fields, reflecting their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
A significant milestone in their diplomatic journey was the establishment of the first Joint Commission in 2021, aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including energy, mining, transport, and tourism. This initiative underscores the countries' shared vision for a diversified and robust partnership.
In March 2025, Nigeria and Venezuela commemorated 60 years of diplomatic relations, underscoring their longstanding and evolving partnership. A highlight of this celebration was the agreement to launch direct flights between Abuja and Caracas, facilitated by Venezuela's national carrier, CONVIASA.
This development aims to bolster business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, further solidifying the bilateral relationship.
The Nigerian Embassy in Caracas continues to play a pivotal role in fostering these ties, offering consular services and promoting Nigeria's interests in Venezuela.
Looking ahead, the partnership between Nigeria and Venezuela holds promise for continued growth and collaboration across multiple sectors.
Nigeria partners another country on direct flight service
Legit.ng reported that to strengthen diplomatic and commercial connections between Nigeria and Jamaica, the federal government has announced plans to create a direct air connection between the two nations.
This was revealed by Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, in an exclusive meeting with Lincoln Downer, the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, in Abuja.
Ambassador Downer emphasised the urgent need to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly through an enhanced Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), during the discussion.
The article was updated with additional information by the head of the business desk, Victor Enengedi.
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Source: Legit.ng
