Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has stated that direct flights from Nigeria to Israel will begin on April 20, 2023.
Freeman said before, a Nigerian intending to go to Israel had to go through Ethiopian, Turkish, or British airlines and experience 13 hours of delays but now a direct flight will take 5 hours. He said the development was made possible due to the support of Nigeria’s government.
The Israeli envoy, in an interview over the weekend said the flight operations would be run twice weekly by Air Peace airline from Nigeria to Tel Aviv.
“On April 20, we will be starting direct air links between Israel and Nigeria; there will be twice weekly flights from Lagos, Abuja, and Tel Aviv with Air Peace airline,” Freeman said.
“This would not have been possible without efforts by the current administration. The ministers of aviation and foreign affairs were instrumental in making this happen.
“Now, it is important for us to make it clear that this government made this happen and we have to understand the positive differences these flights will make.
“At the moment, if you plan to fly to Israel, you have to go through Ethiopian, Turkish, or British airlines and experience 13 hours of delays overseas, whereas a direct flight is five hours and 20 minutes.
“The direct flights will do a number of things; especially, they will bring our countries closer together. “
Freeman also said Israel with its holy land and 3,000 years of history had been playing host to Christian, Muslim, and Judaism pilgrimage.
The envoy added that business relations between both countries would also improve since Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and Israel is known for thriving businesses.