South Africa has requested fifth freedom traffic rights from Nigeria and an additional airline designation to operate flights between Cape Town and Lagos.

The approval of the fifth freedom rights could reshape bilateral air connectivity between Nigeria and South Africa.

A statement yesterday by the Special Adviser and Communication to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Tunde Moshood, said South Africa made the request on Tuesday on the sidelines of the ongoing International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) 2025 summit in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The fifth freedom right is an approval given to an airline to carry passengers between two foreign countries on a flight originating or ending in the home country.

The statement hinted that the request was made during bilateral negotiations between the Nigerian delegation, led by Keyamo and the South African.

The statement hinted that South Africa was also seeking approval for Airlink, one of its flag carriers, to operate the Cape Town–Lagos route alongside South African Airways, which currently enjoys designation on the route under the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) arrangement.

Nigeria’s delegation, which included top officials such as the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo and senior directors from the ministry.