UAE Bans Nigeria, DR Congo, Passengers Over COVID-19

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a travel restriction on passengers from Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo over COVID-19.

A Passenger Service Alert disseminated through email by Ethiopia Airline dated December 13, 2021, indicated that the UAE has directed all airlines bound for the Middle East country not to accept passengers from Nigeria and DR Congo.

“Due to an increasing number of COVID Positive passengers at the destination, it is decided to suspend accepting passengers to U.A.E. from Nigeria and Congo DRC (FIH) only,” UAE stated in the message to airlines.

The mandate directed all UAE-bound airlines to ensure 100 percent compliance.

This might not be unconnected with the recent diplomatic row between Nigeria and UAE bordering on Bilateral Air Service Agreement.

The Nigerian government had reacted to what it considered unfair treatment of its indigenous airline, Air Peace by the Middle East country’s aviation authority.

Air Peace had requested for a slot of three weekly flights from Nigeria to Sharjah Airport in UAE which was turned down, granting only one by the country’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). In retaliation, the Nigerian Ministry of Aviation withdrew approval for 21 weekly flight frequencies earlier granted to Emirates Airline, granting only one as well.

Victor Ezeja

Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.