Emirates resumes flights to Nigeria after two years break

Air transportation giants, Emirates, has announced that it will return to Nigerian route from October 1, 2024, coincidentally the same day as Nigeria’s Independence Day.

The airline disclosed this in a statement on its website dated May 16, 2024.

It could be recalled that Emirates, a well-known airline that operates flights to and from Nigeria quitted suddenly.

According to its management, Emirates suspended flights to Nigeria in October 2022 due to issues of blocked funds.

This resumption will allow Emirates to operate to 19 gateways in Africa with 157 flights per week from Dubai.

Emirates resumes operations to Nigeria

The statement announcing resumption of operations from October 1, reads:

“Emirates will resume services to Nigeria from 1 October 2024, operating a daily service between Lagos and Dubai, and offering customers more choice and connectivity from Nigeria’s largest city to, and through, Dubai.

“The service will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER.

“EK783 will depart Dubai at 0945hrs, arriving in Lagos at 1520hrs; the return flight EK784 will leave Lagos at 1730hrs and arrives in Dubai at 0510hrs the next day.

“Tickets can be booked now on emirates.com or via travel agents.”

Reacting to the development, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, was elated.

Kazim said: “We are excited to resume our services to Nigeria.

“The Lagos-Dubai service has traditionally been popular with customers in Nigeria.

“We hope to reconnect leisure and business travellers to Dubai and onwards to our network of over 140 destinations.

“We thank the Nigerian government for their partnership and support in re-establishing this route and we look forward to welcoming passengers back onboard.”

157 flights per week from Dubai to Africa

With the resumption of operations to Nigeria, Emirates hopes to operate 19 gateways in Africa with 157 flights per week from Dubai.

It hopes to also reach an additional 130 regional points in Africa through its codeshare and interline partnerships.

The partnership includes South African Airways, Airlink, Royal Air Maroc, Tunis Air, among others.

Emirates hailed UAE’s strong bilateral trade relations with Nigeria over the years as major economic hub in Africa.

Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s cargo arm, hopes to further bolster the trade relationship with Nigeria.

It offered more than 300 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity in and out of Lagos every week with the resumption of daily passenger flights.

Emirates SkyCargo also offered to support Nigerian businesses by exporting their goods via its state-of-the-art hub in Dubai.

Target markets include UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bahrain, among others with key anticipated commodities.

The essential commodities include Kola Nuts, food and beverages, as well as urgent courier material.

Import and export

Emirates SkyCargo also hopes to import vital goods such as pharmaceuticals, electronics and general cargo from key UAE, India and Hong Kong markets.

“Keeping trade flowing seamlessly, these goods will be transported quickly, efficiently, and reliably via the airline’s multi-vertical specialized product portfolio, the statement said.

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER serving Lagos will operate with 8 First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats, and 304 seats in Economy Class.

Offering the best experience in the sky, passengers can dine on regionally inspired multi-course menus.

The menus are developed by award-winning chefs, complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages.

Customers can tune in to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment.

Available channels include 23 Nigerian movies, in addition to series and other content on ice, Emirates said.

About Emirates

Emirates is a prominent airline known for its quality service and extensive flight network.

It operates flights across the world, offering a premium flying experience with a focus on comfort and customer service.

Customers can book flights, check in, manage booking and explore the onboard experience on the website.

Emirates also provides customer support.

Detailed baggage guidelines, including size restrictions for carry-on items, are available on their website.

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