Neos Airline, Italy’s flag carrier, is set to begin direct flights from Italy to Lagos, Nigeria, marking a significant new connection between the two nations. The announcement was made by the airline’s handlers, Sky Master, during a launch event held in Ikeja, Lagos. The airline will initiate its operations on October 30, initially offering weekly flights for the first month and then increasing to three flights per week after that. The airline will operate under the guidance of Sifax Sahco Travels, its official travel agent in Nigeria, facilitating travel for potential clients and stakeholders.
Princewill Ogbonna, Managing Director of Sky Master, expressed optimism for the airline’s impact on relations between Nigeria and Italy. He described Neos Airline as a private carrier headquartered in Lombardy, Italy, emphasizing its extensive global operations, which encompass over 50 destinations. The airline will utilize a Boeing 787-8 for its initial flights, catering to the needs of various groups, including religious organizations like the Christian Association of Nigeria, by providing flexible travel arrangements tailored to their requirements.
Ogbonna also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to attract foreign investment to Nigeria, recognizing the administration’s dedication to enhancing the nation’s appeal to international airline operators. He highlighted that Neos Airline’s presence is a testament to the improved business environment, noting that it is the second carrier to start direct operations to Nigeria since Tinubu’s leadership began. Ogbonna underscored the significance of the Nigerian market, indicating that a substantial portion of their international traffic, particularly to Dhaka, comes from Nigerian travelers who previously faced challenges in accessing quality travel options.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, commended the collaboration between the Ministry of Aviation and the aviation industry stakeholders for facilitating the launch of the airline. Representing the minister during the event, Alex Kefas reinforced the importance of these developments for Nigeria, declaring the direct flight services as a rejuvenation of the Nigeria-Italy air links that benefit both countries. He recognized the dedication of the various parties involved in solidifying this partnership, expressing his belief that this will soon enable more Nigerians and Italians to engage in travel between Milan and Lagos, thereby fostering deeper economic and cultural ties.
Italian Consul General in Nigeria, Ugo Boni, conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the establishment of direct flights, characterizing them as a long-awaited advancement in the Nigeria-Italy relationship. He anticipated a swift escalation in flight frequencies from the initial once-a-week operation to three times a week, echoing Ogbonna’s sentiment of strengthening bilateral relations. Boni highlighted the ongoing efforts to streamline visa processing for Nigerians seeking to travel to Italy, emphasizing that his diplomatic mission is focused on facilitating ease of travel and promoting mutual connections between the two countries.
In conclusion, the launch of Neos Airline’s direct flights to Nigeria signifies a milestone in enhancing connectivity and fostering economic and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and Italy. With the initial commitment to operate weekly flights, increasing to three per week, there exists a strategic approach to build awareness and interest in the new service. Government and private sector collaboration has been pivotal in bringing this prospect to fruition, with hopes that this development will pave the way for further investments and strengthen the existing bilateral ties, ultimately benefiting both nations through increased travel accessibility and partnership opportunities.
