Emirates Airlines has, once again, suspended its flight operations in Nigeria effective Thursday, September 1, 2022.
The airline said it took the painful decision as a result of rising debts in Nigeria.
Emirates Airlines, a few weeks ago, informed the Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, that it would reduce the number of flights to Nigeria from Monday, August 15, 2022 due to its inability to recover a staggering debt of $85 million.
The airline lamented that the debt rose by over $10 million every month even as its operational costs of 11 weekly flights to Lagos and Abuja continue to accumulate.
In a statement, Rula Tadros, Emirates’ spokesperson, said the decision to suspend flights in and out of Nigeria was taken to clip further losses.
Tadros revealed that the airline had 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.”
Consequently, Emirates was left with other choice but to suspend all flights to and from Nigeria to curb further losses “and impact on our operational costs that continue to accumulate in the market.”
The airline promised to help its customers that may be affected by the decision by helping them 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,” Tadros said.
“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.”
