Emirates Airlines has restored its flight operations to Nigeria’s commercial capital of Lagos.
The company announced this in emails sent to its customers
and obtained by Channels Television.
“We are pleased to inform you that effective from 11th
September 2022, we will reinstate operations of our flights,” Emirates said on
Wednesday.
“Inbound flights from Dubai to Lagos (EK783) and outbound
flights from Lagos to Dubai (EK784) will recommence from Sunday, 11th September
2022.
“Lagos flights after 30th September 2022 will be advised in
due course.”
Wednesday’s reinstatement came two weeks after the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) carrier suspended flight operations, citing its inability
to repatriate its earnings in foreign exchange from Nigeria.
“We have had no choice but to take this action, to mitigate
the continued losses Emirates is experiencing as a result of funds being
blocked in Nigeria,” the airlines said in a letter addressed to the Minister of
Aviation, Hadi Sirika.
“As of July 2022, Emirates has US$85 million of funds
awaiting repatriation from Nigeria. This figure has been rising by more than
$US10 million every month, as the ongoing operational costs of our 11 weekly
flights to Lagos and 5 to Abuja continue to accumulate.”
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 Federal Government said Nigeria was having a forex
exchange crisis and thus 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.
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