The UK authorities have refused to grant Nigeria’s Air Peace the needed landing rights to evacuate Nigerians stranded in that country.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ferdinand Nwoye told newsmen on Sunday that the evacuation flight will no longer depart Heathrow airport on Monday, It will now depart Gartwick airport on Tuesday.
A UK airline, Air Partner, has therefore been contracted by Air Peace to evacuate the Nigerians. The new arrangement comes with additional costs but the Federal Government says it is better than refunding flight payments already made.
Speaking about UK refusing Air Peace Landing rights, Ferdinand Nwoye said:
“It is pertinent to note that Air Peace gracefully contracted Air Partner to operate these charter flights on its behalf at a much higher cost than the ticket fairs paid by the prospective evacuees.
“In the light of the forgoing, the Federal Government wishes to extend its appreciation to the chairman and management of Air Peace Limited for their commitments and patriotism in ensuring that our stranded nationals in the UK return home safely.”
Not less than 2,000 British have ben evacuated from Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the UK government is considering increasing health safety guidelines in the light of eased lockdown and increasing numbers of new #COVID19 infections.
Nigerians Evacuated from the UK arrive Lagos