Emirates resumes flight operations to Nigeria after two-year hiatus

Emirates, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier, has officially resumed its flight operations to Nigeria after nearly two years of suspension.

The first flight, EK 783, landed at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon, arriving at 3:32 PM after an over eight-hour journey.

The airline suspended its operations in November 2022 due to the inability to repatriate approximately $85 million in revenue trapped in Nigeria.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced on April 8, 2024, that he received a letter from Emirates confirming the resolution of all outstanding issues, enabling the resumption of flights.

On September 27, Nigeria and the UAE reached an agreement on reciprocal rights in anticipation of the resumption of Emirates flights. Keyamo expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We are pleased to have secured reciprocal operational rights for Nigerian airlines, which will not only deepen our bilateral ties but also strengthen the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation industry.”

In a statement, Tunde Moshood, the special adviser on media and communications to the minister, noted the significance of the new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) established during negotiations.

“Crucially, the negotiations also yielded a significant agreement on reciprocal rights, ensuring that Nigerian airlines will soon have the opportunity to commence direct flight operations to the UAE,” Moshood said.

“This marks a historic development for Nigeria’s aviation industry, expanding international connectivity and offering more options to travellers between the two nations.”

Keyamo also remarked on the government’s commitment to restoring air travel, stating that the recent developments signal dedication to ensuring the best outcomes for both Nigerian and international travellers.

He added that the resumed flight operations by Emirates and the new BASA will significantly enhance tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE, fostering economic growth.

Emirates had previously suspended flights in October 2022 due to the challenges in repatriating funds and had expressed hopes for a resolution with the Nigerian government.