Nigeria Emirates Returns to Nigeria After Two-Year Hiatus Over Trapped Funds

Emirates Airlines has resumed flight operations to Nigeria after a two-year hiatus due to unresolved financial issues. The airline's return was confirmed with a flight landing in Lagos on October 1, 2024. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo announced the resolution of previous disputes and confirmed reciprocal operational rights.

Emirates Airlines has resumed flight operations to Nigeria after a two-year suspension. The airline's flight EK 783 landed at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon, marking the end of the hiatus caused by the airline’s inability to repatriate $85 million in trapped revenue from Nigeria. Emirates initially halted its services in November 2022 due to the issue.

Following discussions between Nigeria’s aviation ministry and the UAE, reciprocal air travel rights were secured, allowing the airline to return. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo expressed optimism that the resumption of flights would strengthen ties between both countries and enhance Nigeria’s global aviation competitiveness.