Emirates Returns to Nigeria: Flights resume after two-year suspension

Emirates Airline has officially announced that it will resume flight operations to Nigeria, ending nearly two years of suspension on the route.

The announcement was made in a statement by the airline’s Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, on Thursday.

He expressed the company’s excitement and gratitude to Nigerian authorities for their cooperation in restoring the service.

“We are delighted to resume our services to Nigeria. We thank the Nigerian government for their partnership and support in re-establishing this important route, and we look forward to welcoming our Nigerian passengers back on board,” Kazim said.

Emirates had halted its operations in 2022 after challenges in repatriating its funds from Nigeria. Around the same time, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also stopped issuing visas to Nigerian citizens, creating travel and business disruptions between both nations.

The airline, which has long been a preferred choice among Nigerian travellers for its comfort and connectivity, said it aims to rebuild strong travel and trade links between the two countries.

With the resumption of services, Emirates will once again connect Nigerian passengers to Dubai and over 140 destinations across its global network, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

A breakthrough in diplomatic relations came in September 2024, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.

Their discussions focused on resolving long-standing diplomatic and financial issues between both nations, paving the way for this long-awaited return of Emirates flights.

The resumption is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and economic exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE, marking a new chapter in their bilateral relations.

Emirates’ return is being celebrated by many Nigerian travellers and business owners who rely on Dubai as a key hub for trade, leisure, and global connections.