Keyamo to EgyptAir: Discontinue deployment of ageing aircraft into Nigeria’s aviation market
Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, has asked EgyptAir to discontinue the deployment of ageing aircraft into Nigeria’s aviation market.
Keyamo spoke on Thursday during a bilateral meeting with Sameh El-Hefny, his Egyptian counterpart, 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 centred on improving air connectivity between Nigeria and Egypt and strengthening cooperation between their civil aviation authorities.
The discussions also covered expanding technical and professional capacity and creating greater 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.”
The media aide noted that Keyamo stressed the strategic importance of Nigeria-Egypt aviation relations, adding that both countries occupy important positions in Africa’s aviation ecosystem.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding strategic international partnerships to improve connectivity, promote tourism and trade, support airline growth and deliver greater value to passengers and the aviation industry.
According to the statement, 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 both countries to advance air transport development and strengthen links between their aviation industries.
The Egyptian minister also advocated for greater 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 both countries.