The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced on Wednesday that Emirates Airlines has officially resumed operations in Nigeria after a two-year hiatus. He emphasized that the airline’s return will foster healthy competition, ultimately benefiting Nigerians with more competitive pricing on international routes.
Keyamo made the statement upon his arrival in Lagos aboard an Emirates aircraft from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the airline’s return. He revealed that a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) had been signed, ensuring a more open and mutually beneficial relationship between Nigeria and the UAE, while also securing opportunities for local operators.
“We signed a new BASA defining our relationship altogether, again making it healthier, more open, and for the benefit of the Nigerian people,” Keyamo said. He noted that the agreement allows for more competition across various international routes, which will lead to competitive pricing for Nigerian travelers.
The minister also highlighted that Nigerian airlines now have the opportunity to operate flights to any destination in the UAE, a significant development considering the large investments and interests Nigerians hold in the region.
Emirates Airlines had suspended its operations in Nigeria in November 2022 due to difficulties in repatriating $85 million in trapped revenue. Keyamo had earlier announced in April 2024 that the airline had resolved the outstanding issues and was prepared to resume flights.
The breakthrough came on September 27, when Nigeria and the UAE reached an agreement on reciprocal flight rights, paving the way for the return of Emirates Airlines to Nigerian skies.
Keyamo underscored the importance of the UAE as a global hub, particularly Dubai, which connects numerous countries and serves as a major transit point for Nigerian travelers. “It was not just a fight for glory, but for the Nigerian people, especially those with significant investments and interests in the UAE,” he added.
