Dubai-based Emirates airline has announced the resumption of its flight schedules to Nigeria starting October 1, ending a suspension that lasted nearly two years.
This development follows the lifting of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa ban on Nigerians, which had been in place since 2022.
The suspension was originally triggered by difficulties in repatriating funds from Nigeria, leading Emirates to halt flights between the two nations. This disruption significantly impacted Nigerian travelers and businesses who relied on the direct route for convenience and efficiency.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm about resuming services. “We are excited to resume our services to Nigeria. We thank the Nigerian government for their partnership and support in re-establishing this route and we look forward to welcoming passengers back on board,” Kazim said in a statement.
The resumption of the Lagos-Dubai service is particularly significant for Nigerian customers, who have historically favored this route. The reestablished flights will reconnect travelers to Dubai and beyond, offering access to over 140 destinations. This is expected to streamline travel for business professionals, reducing the need for long, indirect routes that have been the only option during the suspension.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan played key roles in this development. The two leaders met in Abu Dhabi last September, discussing the lifting of the visa ban and exploring new investments into Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country.
In addition to passenger services, the resumption will include cargo flights, which is poised to benefit businesses reliant on the efficient transport of goods between Nigeria and the UAE.
For businesspeople, this reinstatement of direct Emirates flights to Nigeria is a significant relief. The ability to fly directly to Dubai will save time and reduce travel fatigue, facilitating smoother business operations and fostering stronger economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE. The reestablished route is anticipated to boost commerce, tourism, and investment, further strengthening the economic bond between the two nations.
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