Emirates Airlines reinstate flights to Nigeria

Emirates Airlines says it will reinstate flights to and from Nigeria from September 11 because the Central Bank of Nigeria has released a portion of its blocked fund in the country.

In a statement issued by the Airlines Public Relations Manager, Rula Tadros, on Thursday, Emirates said it welcomes the CBN move to release a portion of “our blocked funds.”

“In light of these developments, Emirates will reinstate flights to/from Lagos from 11 September, which is the earliest date for us to co-ordinate the smooth and safe resumption of operations. It will also provide travellers sufficient time to plan and book their journeys,” the statement partly read.

The airline said they will continue to engage with the Nigerian authorities to ensure the repatriation of “our outstanding” and future funds may continue without hindrance.

Emirates said, “We constantly review our network operations and will adjust our flying schedules to respond to market demand and other operational factors.

“We remain keen to serve Nigeria, by providing international connectivity for travellers and businesses to access trade and tourism opportunities in Dubai, and across our broader network of over 130 destinations,” the airline said.

The airline’s decision is coming after the CBN announced that it released $265 million to airlines operating in the country to settle outstanding-trapped funds from ticket sales last week Friday.

The move by the apex bank came after Emirates Airlines threatened to halt its operations to and from Nigeria by September 1, due to its inability to repatriate $85 million trapped in Nigeria.