AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
Nigeria has barred US-based airlines from flying direct to the country in retaliation for a US ban on Nigerian new national carrier, Virgin Nigeria, officials said on Friday (22 April).
US authorities had barred Virgin Nigeria, which is 49% owned by Virgin Group, from direct flights into the US, reportedly because of Britain's anti-competitive aviation policy.
US-based Continental Airlines, which was to begin operations to Nigeria in the second quarter of 2005, last week cancelled these plans after Nigerian aviation authorities denied it permits required to offer the service between New York and Lagos, Nigeria.
First the Virgin Nigeria issue has to be sorted out and only then can Continental be approved to fly to Nigeria, said a spokesperson for the Nigerian aviation ministry.
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