Emirates Airlines has announced that it will resume services to Nigeria from October 1, 2024. Flights to Nigeria were previously halted in October 2022 due to the airline’s inability to repatriate $85 million in revenue. With the resumption of operations to Nigeria, Emirates now operates to 19 gateways in Africa with 157 flights per week from Dubai.
The daily service will operate between Lagos and Dubai, offering unrivalled connectivity for Nigerian travellers. The flight will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER. EK783 will depart Dubai at 0945hrs, arriving in Lagos at 1520hrs; the return flight EK784 will leave Lagos at 1730hrs and arrive in Dubai at 0510hrs the next day. Passengers can book tickets now on Emirates’ website or through travel agents.
Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, expressed excitement about resuming services to Nigeria. The Lagos-Dubai route has traditionally been popular with customers in Nigeria, and the airline aims to reconnect leisure and business travellers to Dubai and beyond, with access to its network of over 140 destinations.
Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s cargo arm, will also play a crucial role in bolstering trade relations between Nigeria and the UAE. It will offer more than 300 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity in and out of Lagos every week, supporting Nigerian businesses by exporting goods to key markets such as the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bahrain. Importantly, Emirates SkyCargo will transport vital goods like pharmaceuticals and electronics from markets such as the UAE, India, and Hong Kong.
The Emirates Boeing 777-300ER serving Lagos features 8 First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats, and 304 seats in Economy Class. Passengers can enjoy regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by award-winning chefs and a wide selection of premium beverages during their journey.
Emirates’ return to Nigeria signifies the strong bilateral trade relations between the two countries, with Lagos serving as the nation’s commercial centre. The airline’s commitment to daily passenger flights will further enhance connectivity and facilitate seamless trade between Nigeria and the world.
