Emirates has resumed flight operations between Dubai and Lagos after a temporary suspension caused by widespread airspace disruptions linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The airline confirmed the return of the route with the operation of flight EK783 from Dubai, which landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on March 6, marking the restoration of the key connection between Nigeria’s commercial hub and the Gulf city.
The carrier had halted services to and from Dubai earlier following security concerns and airspace restrictions triggered by the conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States. Several countries across the region temporarily closed their airspace after coordinated strikes on Iranian targets and subsequent retaliatory missile and drone attacks, forcing airlines worldwide to suspend or reroute flights that typically pass through the Middle East corridor.
The disruption significantly affected long-haul routes linking Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, with global carriers scrambling to adjust schedules while avoiding high-risk airspace.
Sources familiar with the airline’s operations indicated that the resumption of the Dubai–Lagos service was also intended to assist in bringing stranded Nigerians in the United Arab Emirates back home after days of travel uncertainty. The airline communicated to its Nigerian trade partners that flights on the Dubai–Lagos–Dubai route, operated as EK783 and EK784, would resume as part of its gradual restoration of services.
Passengers arriving in Lagos on the first returning flight expressed relief after the week-long disruption. Some travellers said they had been forced to alter travel plans or remain in Dubai longer than expected due to the suspension.
In a separate advisory, authorities at Dubai Airports confirmed that operations across the city’s airports are gradually recovering after earlier disruptions. Limited flights have resumed at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport as airlines steadily reinstate services.
The airport operator said more than 1,100 flights had been facilitated through Dubai’s airports over several days as the situation stabilised, providing thousands of outbound seats to destinations worldwide.
Emirates said it continues to monitor developments in the region closely and remains in contact with aviation authorities to ensure that operations remain safe. The airline also advised passengers to check flight updates and confirm their travel schedules before heading to the airport, noting that services may continue to adjust as conditions evolve.
