Emirates airline has announced the resumption of its flights to Nigeria, marking the end of a nearly two-year suspension of operations on the route. The decision was made public through a statement by Adnan Kazim, the airline’s Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, on Thursday. Kazim expressed the airline’s excitement to restart services to Nigeria, thanking the Nigerian government for their support in re-establishing the route.
The suspension of flights between the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria began in 2022, after Emirates faced challenges in repatriating funds from the country. This led to the UAE stopping the issuance of visas to Nigerians. Despite this setback, Emirates remains a popular choice among Nigerian travelers, and the airline aims to reconnect passengers to Dubai and over 140 destinations worldwide with its resumed services.
The resumption of flights follows a meeting between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi last September. This development is expected to strengthen ties between the two nations and facilitate travel and trade. Emirates’ decision to restart operations in Nigeria is a significant step towards reestablishing a vital air link between the two countries.
The airline’s return to Nigeria is anticipated to have a positive impact on the country’s tourism and business sectors. With Emirates’ extensive network of destinations, Nigerian travelers will once again have access to convenient and efficient connections to various parts of the world. The resumption of flights is also expected to boost economic cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE, with potential benefits for trade and investment.
As Emirates prepares to restart its services to Nigeria, the airline is likely to face increased demand from travelers who have been waiting for the resumption of flights. With its reputation for quality service and extensive route network, Emirates is well-positioned to capitalize on this demand and reestablish itself as a leading carrier in the Nigerian market. The restart of flights is a welcome development for travelers and businesses alike, and is expected to contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.