FG permits Turkish airlines to fly Abuja, Kano routes
Turkish Airlines has been granted permission by Aviation Minister Stella Oduah to extend its passenger operations to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, six months after the application by the airline.
The approval was contained in a letter signed by the aviation minister and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Turkish Airlines in Istanbul, Turkey.
The letter, obtained by Daily Trust and dated 14th August, 2013, titled ‘Re: Permission for passenger operations into Abuja and Kano’ reads in part: “The Federal Ministry of Aviation wishes to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of Turkish Airlines to improve passenger operations and services, especially on the existing Lagos route.
“Further to our ongoing discussions granting Turkish Airline permission for passenger operations into Abuja and Kano, I wish to further refer to your letter Ref No: FMA/ATMD/0046/S.86/V/811 dated February 26th, 2013 requesting approval on various items prior to commencing your Kano operations.
“We have re-considered your request and hereby convey the approval on the following: (i) removal of royalty conditions for Abuja-Kano-IST route (ii) approval of daily passenger frequency on Abuja-Kano-IST route (iii) approval of daily cargo frequency on Abuja-KanoIST route.
“We also want you to consider operating passenger cargo services into Enugu Airport as this is also a commercially viable location for Turkish,” the letter read further.
The Turkish Airlines publicist, Ariyo Akinfenwa, confirmed to Daily Trust on phone that his client has received the letter.
On when Turkish Airlines will commence operations to the routes, he said they are looking at December 2013.
“I can confirm they have received the approval letter to operate the Abuja and Kano routes. They are still working on the logistics but they are looking at December 2013 to commence flight operations to the routes, all things [being] equal.”
Daily Trust had exclusively reported the refusal by the aviation minister to allow Turkish, Etihad and Emirate airlines who applied for the landing permit to the Kano and Abuja international airports, in addition to Lagos because of the increasing number of passengers they get from the capital city and other parts of the North.