Emirates Airline resumes flights to Lagos after two-year hiatus

Emirates Airline has made a significant return to Nigeria, resuming operations in Lagos for the first time in two years.

The flight EK 783 landed at Murtala Muhammad International Airport on October 1, 2024, at 3:32 PM, marking the airline’s comeback after suspensions due to unresolved financial issues, including trapped funds.

Despite the aircraft’s capacity of 392 passengers, the flight was not full, highlighting ongoing challenges in the aviation sector as airlines adjust post-pandemic. Eyewitness accounts noted numerous empty seats on the Boeing 777-300ER.

One passenger remarked, “The flight was not full at all, but as usual, the services were very good. I think this is understandable being the first flight after many years.”

The operational restart saw departing passengers processed at the new terminal, while arrivals utilised the old terminal, reflecting ongoing adjustments in airport logistics.

This sparse passenger load highlights the challenges airlines are facing as they resume operations post-pandemic and other operational suspensions.

It was gathered, the operational processes also saw departing passengers being processed at the new terminal, while those arriving were received at the old terminal.

One of the passengers said, “The flight was not full at all but as usual the services were very good. And I think this is understandable being the first flight after many years.”