Emirates airline has announced that it will resume flights to Nigeria, ending a suspension that lasted nearly two years. The decision was disclosed in a statement by Adnan Kazim, the airline’s Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, on Thursday. Kazim expressed excitement about restarting services and thanked the Nigerian government for its support in re‑establishing the route.
The suspension began in 2022 after Emirates encountered difficulties repatriating funds from Nigeria, prompting the United Arab Emirates to halt the issuance of visas to Nigerian nationals. Despite this setback, Emirates remained a popular choice among Nigerian travelers, and the airline now aims to reconnect passengers to Dubai and more than 140 destinations worldwide.
The resumption follows a meeting in Abu Dhabi last September between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Officials expect the renewed air link to strengthen bilateral ties, facilitate travel and trade, and boost economic cooperation between the two nations.
Emirates’ return is seen as a significant step toward reestablishing a vital connection that will benefit Nigeria’s tourism and business sectors. Nigerian travelers will once again have convenient access to Emirates’ extensive network, enabling efficient connections to various global destinations. The airline anticipates strong demand from passengers who have been waiting for the service to resume, and its reputation for quality service positions it well to recapture market share in Nigeria.
Overall, the restart of flights is a welcome development for both travelers and businesses, and it is expected to contribute positively to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector and broader economic ties with the UAE.
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