Emirates Airlines has officially resumed its flight operations to Nigeria after a nearly two-year hiatus, with its first flight landing at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) on Tuesday afternoon. Flight EK 783 touched down at 3:32 PM, marking the long-anticipated return of the airline following the suspension of services in November 2022 due to challenges in repatriating $85 million in revenue trapped in Nigeria.
Passengers arriving on the flight, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, were processed at MMIA’s old terminal, with departing passengers to be processed at the new terminal.
Emirates had announced its intention to resume operations from October 1, 2024, following successful negotiations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. The airline will now operate daily flights between Lagos and Dubai, offering passengers more connectivity options.
The suspension in 2022 stemmed from the airline’s inability to retrieve its trapped funds in Nigeria. However, in April 2024, Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed that all issues had been resolved after receiving a formal letter from Emirates. On September 27, both nations reached an agreement on reciprocal rights, paving the way for the airline’s return.
Keyamo highlighted the significance of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) established during the negotiations, which grants Nigerian airlines the opportunity to commence direct flights to the UAE. He emphasized that this development strengthens bilateral ties, enhances the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation industry, and offers travellers greater international connectivity.
The resumption of Emirates flights is expected to boost tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE, contributing to economic growth and further solidifying the relationship between the two nations. The flight’s arrival was celebrated with a water cannon salute at MMIA, symbolizing a new chapter in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
