After a hiatus of two years, Emirates Airlines has resumed flights to Nigeria, with its aircraft touching down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The airline had ceased operations in Nigeria due to a revenue blockage of $85 million in August 2022 by the Nigerian government, citing forex issues. However, the funds have now been successfully repatriated.
Following diplomatic discussions between Nigerian and United Arab Emirates officials, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led a Nigerian delegation to the UAE to finalize negotiations for the airline’s return.
Additionally, a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement has been reached between the two nations to enhance their aviation relations.
Arriving passengers are currently being processed at the old terminal of MMIA, while departing passengers use the new terminal.
Although there were few passengers on the relaunched flight, those aboard praised the airline’s services.
The President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, Kingsley Nwokoma, expressed satisfaction with Emirates’ return, anticipating mutual benefits for both Nigeria and the UAE.
Nwokoma welcomed the airline’s return, highlighting the potential for Air Peace to resume flights to the UAE following the lifting of the visa ban on Nigerians.