Emirates, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier, has resumed flight operations to Nigeria, marking the end of a nearly two-year suspension.
The airline’s return was confirmed as its flight EK 783 landed at Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Tuesday at 3:32 pm after an eight-hour journey.
The airline had suspended operations in November 2022, citing the inability to repatriate $85 million in revenue trapped in Nigeria. The long-standing issue was resolved earlier this year, as confirmed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
On April 8, 2024, Keyamo announced that Emirates had sent a letter confirming the resolution of all issues and its readiness to resume flights.
Following negotiations, Nigeria and the UAE reached an agreement on reciprocal air service rights on September 27, setting the stage for Emirates’ return to Nigerian skies.
Speaking on the outcome of the talks, Keyamo said, “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.”
As Emirates resumes its operations, Keyamo expressed optimism for a “thriving and mutually beneficial air service relationship” between Nigeria and the UAE.