Emirates Airlines, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has officially resumed flights to Nigeria after nearly two years of suspension.
The first flight, EK 783, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon, arriving at 3:32pm after a journey of over eight hours.
The airline suspended operations in November 2022 because it is unable to repatriate approximately $85 million in revenue held in Nigeria.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo announced on 8 April 2024 that he had received a letter from Emirates confirming that all outstanding issues have been resolved and flights can resume.
On September 27, Nigeria and the UAE reached an agreement on mutual rights in anticipation of the resumption of Emirates Airlines’ operations. Expressing satisfaction with the result, Mr. Keyamo said, “We are pleased to have secured interoperability rights for Nigerian airlines.This will not only deepen the relationship between our countries, but also strengthen the international competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation industry.” ”
In a statement, the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, noted the importance of the new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) established during the negotiations.
“Importantly, the negotiations also resulted in an important agreement on reciprocal rights, ensuring the opportunity for Nigerian airlines to begin operating direct flights to the UAE in the near future,” Moshood said. Ta.
“This marks a historic development for Nigeria’s aviation industry, expanding international connectivity and providing more options for travelers between our two countries.”
Mr. Keyamo also noted the government’s efforts towards the recovery of air travel, noting that recent developments are committed to ensuring the best outcomes for both Nigerian and international travelers. He said it shows.
He added that the resumption of flights by Emirates Airline and the new BASA will significantly enhance tourism, business and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE, boosting economic growth.
Emirates Airline temporarily suspended operations in October 2022 due to difficulties transferring funds, and had expressed hope for a resolution with the Nigerian government.
