Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on EgyptAir to discontinue the deployment of ageing aircraft on its routes to Nigeria and introduce newer-generation planes.
Gatekeepers News reports that Keyamo made the call on Thursday during a bilateral meeting with Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, on the sidelines of the ongoing El-Alamein International Airshow (EIAS 2026) in Egypt.
According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, the minister’s media aide, the meeting focused on improving air connectivity between Nigeria and Egypt while strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ civil aviation authorities.
The discussions also explored ways to expand technical and professional capacity and create more opportunities for collaboration among airlines, airports, regulators and other aviation stakeholders.
“The minister also used the engagement to emphasise the need for a stronger and more modern fleet deployment by EgyptAir on its Nigerian routes,” Moshood said.
“He urged the management of EgyptAir to move away from the continued deployment of ageing aircraft and prioritise the introduction of newer-generation aircraft into the Nigerian market, noting that fleet modernisation is essential to improving passenger experience, operational efficiency and the competitiveness of the airline.”
Keyamo also stressed the strategic importance of aviation relations between Nigeria and Egypt, noting that both countries occupy significant positions within Africa’s aviation ecosystem.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding strategic international partnerships aimed at improving air connectivity, promoting tourism and trade, supporting airline growth and delivering greater value to passengers and the wider aviation industry.
The Nigerian delegation also expressed the country’s readiness to work with Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation to identify areas of mutual cooperation, particularly under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
On his part, El-Hefny welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening aviation cooperation with Nigeria.
He called for closer collaboration between the two countries to advance air transport development and deepen links between their aviation industries.
The Egyptian minister also advocated stronger institutional cooperation between the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the League of Arab Civil Aviation (LACA).
“Enhanced collaboration between the two regional aviation bodies could promote stronger partnerships and facilitate greater cooperation among African and Arab States,” he said.
Moshood said the meeting ended with both ministers reaffirming their commitment to sustained dialogue, stronger institutional cooperation and initiatives that would deliver tangible benefits to the aviation sectors of Nigeria and Egypt.
