Lagos, Nigeria – October 1, 2024: Emirates Airlines, the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) flag carrier, has resumed its operations to Nigeria after a two-year suspension. The airline’s inaugural flight, EK 783, touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Tuesday afternoon.
The resumption of flights marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly in the aviation sector. The two countries had recently agreed on a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), which paved the way for Emirates to resume its operations and granted Nigerian airlines reciprocal rights to fly to the UAE.
Emirates will operate a daily service between Lagos and Dubai, offering passengers more choice and connectivity. The airline’s Boeing 777-300ER will feature a spacious cabin with three classes: First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class.
The resumption of Emirates flights is expected to boost trade and tourism between Nigeria and the UAE. Emirates SkyCargo will offer over 300 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity per week, facilitating the export of Nigerian products to international markets and the import of essential goods into Nigeria.
The airline’s decision to resume flights to Nigeria comes after a prolonged diplomatic impasse over the repatriation of funds. Emirates had suspended its operations in 2022 due to difficulties in repatriating its revenues from Nigeria.
