3rd February, 2014
Leading international carrier, Emirates Airline has said it is set to enhance its operations in Nigeria by launching scheduled daily passenger flights to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
The Airline said it will commence daily flights into the two airports in August 2014, according to a statement issued by Joe Obi, media assistant to Princess Stella Oduah on Monday.
Obi added that in a letter to the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah dated February 03, 2014 and signed by Salem Obaidalla, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs, Emirates Airlines, the Carrier expressed gratitude to the federal government for the continued support and assistance extended to it throughout the period it has been operating in Nigeria.
According to him, the Emirates Senior Vice President disclosed that the flights will be operated in accordance with the existing UAE-Nigeria agreement on air services, with four weekly flights routed Dubai-Abuja-Kano-Dubai and three weekly flights routed Dubai-Kano-Abuja-Dubai, without carriage of domestic traffic (cabotage) between Abuja and Kano”.
Obaidalla further assured that Emirates Airline ”remains fully committed to the Nigerian market and to provide Nigerian travellers the best possible service”.
Commenting on the development, Oduah expressed joy that passengers from Abuja, Kano and other parts of the North who patronise Emirates would have the airline’s services brought to their doorsteps, and pledged to continue to partner Emirates and other airlines to deliver the best possible service to air travellers in the country.
”I am particularly delighted with this development”, the Minister enthused.