Ghana Airways bid for direct Nigeria-US flights

LAGOS, June 27 (Reuters) - Nigeria said on Tuesday eight foreign airlines had applied to operate direct flights to and from the United States following the end of a U.S. ban on airlinks.

The carriers included Ghana Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways [VA.UL], South African Airways and North Atlantic Airlines, a spokesman for the Aviation Ministry said.

The resumption of direct flights from Lagos to New York after a six-year interruption had been brought forward to mid August from September, he added.

``Eight airlines have applied to operate the route. The ministry has also extended the deadline to Friday for more airlines keen on the route to submit their bids,'' he said.

``The ministry has raised an 11-member committee to screen the airlines and make recommendations on three preferences.''

Last December, the United States ended a ban on direct air links with Nigeria after reporting security improvements at Lagos airport. Analysts said the real reason was the return to democracy there after 15 years of military rule.

The elected government of President Olusegun Obasanjo took office in May last year.

Washington has signalled an interest in helping democracy take root in Nigeria, a major supplier of crude oil to the United States and a key player in regional security.

``There is the need for us to commence operations on that route, it is long overdue and very important to our country,'' the ministry spokesman said.