North African Airline incurs Nigeria’s wrath

By Philippine Duru

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Nigeria has warned EgyptAir to modernise the aircraft deployed on its Nigerian routes, stressing that continued use of ageing planes could affect the airline’s operations in the country.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, gave the warning during a bilateral meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh El-Hefny, on the sidelines of the ongoing El-Alamein International Airshow (EIAS 2026) in Egypt.

According to a statement issued by Keyamo’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, the meeting focused on improving air connectivity between Nigeria and Egypt and strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ civil aviation authorities.

The discussions also covered the expansion of technical and professional capacity, as well as opportunities for greater collaboration among airlines, airports, regulators and other aviation stakeholders.

Keyamo specifically urged EgyptAir to deploy newer-generation aircraft on its Nigerian routes, rather than continuing with what Nigeria considers ageing aircraft.

“The minister also used the engagement to emphasise the need for a stronger and more modern fleet deployment by EgyptAir on its Nigerian routes,” Moshood said.

He said Keyamo urged the airline’s management to move away from the continued deployment of ageing aircraft and prioritise newer-generation aircraft in the Nigerian market.

According to the minister, fleet modernisation was essential to improving passenger experience, operational efficiency and the airline’s competitiveness.

Keyamo further stressed the strategic importance of Nigeria-Egypt aviation relations, noting that both countries occupy important positions within Africa’s aviation ecosystem.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding strategic international partnerships to improve air connectivity, promote tourism and trade, support airline growth and deliver greater value to passengers and the aviation industry.

The Nigerian delegation also expressed the country’s readiness to work with Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation to identify areas of mutual cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Responding, El-Hefny welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to deepening aviation cooperation with Nigeria.

He called for closer collaboration between the two countries to advance air transport development and strengthen links between their aviation industries.

The Egyptian minister also advocated stronger institutional cooperation between the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the League of Arab Civil Aviation (LACA).

“Enhanced collaboration between the two regional aviation bodies could promote stronger partnerships and facilitate greater cooperation among African and Arab States,” El-Hefny said.

The meeting ended with both ministers reaffirming their commitment to sustained dialogue, stronger institutional cooperation and initiatives aimed at delivering tangible benefits to the aviation sectors of Nigeria and Egypt.