Emirates suspends operations to Nigeria effective September 1

BARELY a month after announcing a reduction of frequencies in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria following complaints of trapped funds, United Arab Emirates ( UAE) Dubai based airline, Emirates, says effective September 1, it would stop flights operations into and out of Nigeria.

As at last count the airline has $85million trapped within Nigeria despite measures to reach the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) in a bid to repatriate it’s funds.

The airline in a statement on Thursday morning said that it would suspend flights from Nigeria effective September 1, 2022.

The airline had on Monday cut its 11 weekly frequencies into Lagos Airport to just seven after indicating it would do so in a letter transmitted to  Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

The airline’s statement on Thursday said: ”Emirates has tried every avenue to address our ongoing challenges in repatriating funds from Nigeria, and we have made considerable efforts to initiate dialogue with the relevant authorities for their urgent intervention to help find a viable solution.

”Regrettably, there has been no progress. Therefore, Emirates has taken the difficult decision to suspend all flights to and from Nigeria, effective September 1 2022, to limit further losses and impact on our operational costs that continue to accumulate in the market.

”We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our customers, however the circumstances are beyond our control at this stage. 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. We remain keen to serve Nigeria, and our operations provide much needed connectivity for Nigerian travellers, providing access to trade and tourism opportunities to Dubai and to our broader network of over 130 destinations.”

At least, $600 million of over 20 foreign airlines has been blocked in Nigeria since the beginning of the year.