Fakoyejo Olalekan
The suspension of visas to Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has led to Air Peace halting the company’s flight operation to Dubai.
In October, Dubai had banned visa issuance to about 20 African countries, “This is to inform you that we will not be posting 30 days visa applications for these nationalities effective today October 18, 2022.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAffected countries are Nigeria, Liberia, Burundi, Guinea Bissau, Comoros, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Republic of Guinea, Gambia, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Congo.
The reason behind the ban wasn’t made public, but this isn’t the first time some Africans were restricted from entering the Arab nation, as the country had banned eight African countries in December 2021 due to the spread of Covid 19.
Following the recent ban, the non-issuance of visas to Nigerians compelled Air Peace to suspend operations effective from Tuesday, November 22, 2022.
Air Peace said some inconveniences trailed the decision to ban Nigerians, so the suspension will stay in place till further notice, while affected passengers will be attended to.
“This is consequent upon the persisting non-issuance of visas to Nigerian travellers by the government of the United Arab Emirates and the accompanying inconveniences.
“Air Peace has been operating in UAE even with the country’s recent travel restrictions, but given the heightening hurdles Nigerian travellers are facing in accessing the country, it has become imperative that we halt our operations to that destination. We shall provide further updates as the situation progresses.
“Passengers whose flights are affected by this development can mail our Call Center to attend to their concerns.”
Meanwhile, Air Peace has been operating beyond profit since it began operation in 2014. The company has grown into operating 17,861 domestic flights as of 2021, and 699 international flights in 2022, with 40 aircraft in its fleet.
