According to a notice which was sent to travel agents in Nigeria, there are strong indications that the Middle East Carrier, Emirates Airlines, will resume flight operations in Nigeria within the shortest possible time.
The flight resumption will start with a four-weekly flight to Nigeria.
The notice, which was obtained from Peacock Travels and Royal AlmondTravels, read in part, “Operations to Nigeria will be reinstated with 4-weekly Lagos (LOS) flights EFF.11 Sep 22.
Investors King reported that Emirates Airlines had announced the suspension of flights to Nigeria effective September 1, 2022, just a few days ago where it linked the development to the inability to repatriate $85m ticket sales proceeds from the country.
The earlier statement read in part, “Emirates Airlines has tried every avenue to address our ongoing challenges in repatriating funds from Nigeria, and we have made considerable efforts to initiate dialogue with the relevant authorities for their urgent intervention to help find a viable solution.
“Regrettably, there has been no progress. Therefore, Emirates has taken the difficult decision to suspend all flights to and from Nigeria, effective September 1, 2022, to limit further losses and impact on our operational costs that continue to accumulate in the market.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our customers, however, the circumstances are beyond our control at this stage. We will be working to help impacted customers make alternative travel arrangements wherever possible.”
The projected resumption of operation is coming amid the report that several Nigerians are being denied entry into Dubai which has left many Nigerians stranded at the Airport. Although the Nigeria mission in Dubai has clarified that the persons denied entry had inappropriate visas.
The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai has been a first choice destination for many Nigerians who want to go on holiday or shopping and those looking for greener pasture.
