Emirates Airlines has disclosed that effective September 1, 2022, it will suspend its flight operations to and from Nigeria, over its inability to repatriate $85 million in revenue from Africa’s most populous nation.
The announcement was made by the Airline in a travel update on its website, where it stated that the tough decision was taken to cap the losses and operational cost accumulation it is facing in the Nigerian market.
The Dubai-based airline stated that it has taken all necessary steps to address the ongoing challenges in repatriating funds from Nigeria and that substantial attempts to institute conversations with the relevant authorities for their urgent intervention have proved abortive.
The airline statement reads:
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our customers; however, the circumstances are beyond our control at this stake. We will be working to help impacted customers make alternative travel arrangements wherever possible.”
“Should there be any positive developments in the coming days regarding Emirates’ blocked funds in Nigeria, we will, of course, re-evaluate our decision.”
The airline re-affirmed its commitment to serving Nigerian travelers, stating that its operations provide Nigerian travelers the much-needed connectivity, access to trade, and tourism opportunities to Dubai, and to a broader network of over 130 destinations.
What You Should Know
- Emirates had previously addressed a letter to Hadi Sirika, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation that it will bring down the total flights to Nigeria from August 15 due to its failure to repatriate $85 million in revenue from the country.
- The move was to ameliorate the negative impact the situation was on its business in the country.
- At least, $600 million of over 20 foreign airlines has been blocked in Nigeria since the beginning of the year.
