Emirates resumes flight operations to Nigeria after 2-year hiatus

 Emirates, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier, has
resumed flight operations to Nigeria.

The development comes almost two years after the suspension
of operation by the airline.

On Tuesday afternoon, the airline’s flight landed at the
Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

The flight EK 783, which travelled for over 8 hours, touched
down at the MMIA at 3:32 pm.

In November 2022, Emirates suspended flight operations to
Nigeria over its inability to repatriate its $85 million revenue trapped in the
country.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace
development, on April 8, 2024, announced that he received a letter from the
airline confirming that all the issues have been resolved and is prepared to
resume flights.

On September 27, Nigeria and the UAE agreed on reciprocal
rights ahead of the resumption of Emirates Airlines’ flight operations to
Nigeria.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Keyamo said the
discussions reaffirm the commitment of Nigeria to fostering a balanced and
forward-looking partnership with the UAE.

“We are pleased to have secured reciprocal operational
rights for Nigerian airlines, which will not only deepen our bilateral ties but
also strengthen the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation industry,”
Keyamo said.

As Emirates returns to Nigeria, Keyamo said the country
looks forward to a thriving and mutually beneficial air service relationship.

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