Emirates Airlines has resumed its operations in Nigeria, with its aircraft landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
This marks the airline’s return to the country after a two-year suspension, which began in August 2022 due to $85 million in blocked revenues caused by Nigeria’s forex challenges.
The funds have since been successfully repatriated, allowing the airline to restart flights. The relaunch of flight EK 783 was greeted with a water cannon salute at the airport.
The return of Emirates Airlines follows several diplomatic meetings between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led a delegation to the UAE to finalize negotiations, including a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement aimed at strengthening aviation ties between the two nations.
Arriving passengers were processed at the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, while departing passengers used the new terminal. Despite a low turnout on the relaunch flight, passengers praised the airline’s services.
Kingsley Nwokoma, President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, expressed optimism about the return, saying it was a positive development for both Nigeria and the UAE. He also highlighted that the resumption could pave the way for Nigerian airline Air Peace to resume flights to the UAE following the resolution of visa issues.
“This is a win-win for both countries, and with Emirates back, the flying public now has more options,” Nwokoma added.
