There are strong indications that the Emirates Airlines, will resume flights in Nigeria within the shortest possible time.
The report by Nigeria’s Punch newspaper on Thursday said that a notice sent to travel agents in Nigeria, the airline said it would resume four-weekly flights to Nigeria.
According to the notice, which was obtained from Peacock Travels and Royal AlmondTravels, the “Operations to Nigeria will be reinstated with 4-weekly Lagos (LOS) flights EFF.11Sep22.
The Emirates had announced the suspension of flights to Nigeria effective September 1, 2022, just a few days ago where it linked the development to the inability to repatriate $85m ticket sales proceeds from Nigeria.
The earlier statement read in part, “Emirates Airlines has tried every avenue to address our ongoing challenges in repatriating funds from Nigeria, and we have made considerable efforts to initiate dialogue with the relevant authorities for their urgent intervention to help find a viable solution.
“Regrettably, there has been no progress. Therefore, Emirates has taken the difficult decision to suspend all flights to and from Nigeria, effective September 1, 2022, to limit further losses and impact on our operational costs that continue to accumulate in the market.”
The Emirates’ move followed concerns raised by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) over the issue. IATA had said foreign airlines’ funds trapped in Nigeria rose from $450 million in May to $464 million in July.
While the Nigerian Government said it was having a forex exchange crisis and could not meet some responsibilities, including revenue repatriation by foreign airlines, it later bowed to pressure and released $265 million to the airlines.
The IATA lauded the step, noting that it would boost foreign airlines’ to continue their service in Nigeria.
GIK/APA