Emirates Airlines has just made a significant announcement that’s sure to delight many travelers in Nigeria. In a recent statement, the airline revealed its plans to resume services to Nigeria starting October 1, 2024.
This eagerly awaited return will see Emirates operating a daily service between Lagos and Dubai, bridging the gap between these two vibrant destinations.
The airline’s decision comes with great anticipation, especially considering the popularity of the Lagos-Dubai route among Nigerian travelers.
With flights set to be operated using the reliable Boeing 777-300ER, Emirates aims to not only reconnect leisure and business travelers to Dubai but also to its extensive network of over 140 destinations worldwide.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, expressed the airline’s excitement about resuming services to Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of the partnership and support extended by the Nigerian government in re-establishing this vital route.
The sentiment was echoed with a warm invitation for passengers to once again experience Emirates’ renowned hospitality onboard.
This announcement marks a significant turnaround since Emirates suspended its Dubai-Lagos flights back in 2022 due to challenges related to repatriating funds from Nigeria amidst diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The history of flight restrictions between Nigeria and the UAE, rooted in unresolved issues surrounding the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), has been a point of concern for travelers and officials alike.
However, recent diplomatic efforts, including a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi in September 2023, have been instrumental in smoothing out these rough edges.
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has also indicated positive developments, with Emirates signaling a definite date to resume flight operations to Nigerian airports.
Despite these promising strides, it’s important to note that the UAE has yet to make an official announcement regarding the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travelers. This aspect remains a key point of interest and will undoubtedly influence the travel landscape between the two countries.
As anticipation builds for Emirates’ return to Nigerian skies, travelers and stakeholders alike are hopeful for a new chapter of seamless connectivity and fruitful collaboration between Nigeria and the UAE.
