Emirates has announced the suspension of flights operations to Nigeria indefinitely.
Gatekeepers News had earlier reported that the Federal Government of Nigeria has reduced Emirates Airlines’ flight operations to Abuja airport from daily to once per week.
This was contained in a letter signed by NCAA director-general, Musa Nuhu and addressed to the country manager, Emirates Airlines, Nigeria.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said that the new schedule becomes effective on Sunday, December 12, 2021.
The letter read in part, “I wish to inform you of the withdrawal of the approval granted to Emirates Airlines Winter Schedule. This approval was conveyed via a letter with reference number FMA/ATMD/501/C.104/XV/536 dated December 1, 2021.”
The airline said it took the action in response to a restriction by the Nigerian government limiting its flights to the country to just a once a week.
Emirate announced this on its website, The statement read, “With the recently imposed directive limiting Emirates to operate one flight per week to Nigeria via Abuja, Emirates will be suspending its flights between Nigeria and Dubai from 13 December 2021, until the UAE and Nigerian authorities work on a solution to the ongoing issue.
“The last flights to operate on 12 December 2021are EK 783/784 to/from Lagos and EK 785/786 to/from Abuja.
“Customers holding tickets with the final destinations Lagos and Abuja will not be accepted at the point of origin.
o“Affected customers do not need to call us immediately for rebooking. Customers can simply hold on to their Emirates ticket and when flights resume, get in touch with their travel agent or booking office to make new travel plans.
“Emirates regrets any inconvenience caused.
“In order to receive the latest updates on their flights, customers are also advised to ensure that their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking
“Emirates is committed to its operations in Nigeria, and we stand ready to reinstate services once restrictions are lifted by the Nigerian authorities, ensuring travellers have more choice and access to trade and tourism opportunities in Dubai, and beyond to our network of over 120 destinations.”
