Emirates airline has announced the resumption of its flight schedules to Nigeria, marking the end of a nearly two-year hiatus. The United Arab Emirates had stopped issuing visas to Nigerians in 2022, following the suspension of flights between the two nations due to difficulties in repatriating funds from Nigeria.
According to a statement by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, the airline is set to resume its services to Nigeria on October 1. Kazim expressed the airline’s excitement about re-establishing the route, thanking the Nigerian government for their support and partnership. The resumption of flights is expected to reconnect travelers to Dubai and onward to over 140 destinations.
The development comes after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi last September, where they discussed the lifting of the visa ban and new investments in Nigeria. The resumption of flights also includes cargo services, which is expected to boost trade between the two nations.
The Lagos-Dubai service has been a popular route for Nigerian customers in the past, and Emirates hopes to regain its market share. The airline’s decision to resume flights is a significant development for Nigeria’s aviation industry and is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy.
The resumption of Emirates’ flights to Nigeria is also a testament to the improving relations between the two nations. The meeting between the two presidents last September marked a new era of cooperation and investment between Nigeria and the UAE. With the resumption of flights, Nigerians can once again enjoy seamless travel to Dubai and beyond, while also promoting trade and economic growth.
