Emirates Airlines has declared its plans to recommence flight operations to Nigeria beginning October 1, 2024. Adnan Kazim, the Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of the airline, conveyed this announcement in a statement issued on Thursday from Dubai.
The airline will reintroduce a daily service connecting Lagos and Dubai, offering passengers enhanced options and seamless connectivity from Nigeria’s bustling metropolis to Dubai and beyond. Kazim disclosed that this service will be facilitated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The outbound flight, EK783, is scheduled to depart Dubai at 09:45, reaching Lagos by 15:20. The return leg, EK784, will depart Lagos at 17:30, arriving in Dubai at 05:10 the following day. Tickets are now available for purchase on emirates.com or through authorized travel agents.
Expressing gratitude, Kazim extended appreciation to the Nigerian government for its collaborative efforts and support in reinstating this crucial air route. He expressed the airline’s eagerness to welcome passengers back on board, emphasizing the significance of reconnecting both leisure and business travelers to Dubai and Emirates’ vast network spanning over 140 destinations.
Emirates’ return to Nigeria marks a pivotal moment as it re-establishes its footprint in the region. With operations spanning 19 gateways across Africa, the airline operates 157 flights per week from Dubai. Furthermore, through its extensive codeshare and interline partnerships, Emirates extends its reach to an additional 130 regional points in Africa.
It’s worth noting that Emirates Airlines suspended its services to Nigeria in October 2022, citing challenges in repatriating funds from the country. This suspension followed a prior halt in August 2022, with the airline indicating that $85 million in revenue was trapped in Nigeria.