Emirates Airlines suspends flights to Nigeria Sept. over trapped $85m revenue

Emirates Airlines has announced the suspension of its flights to Nigeria from September 1, 2022, over its $85 million revenue awaiting repatriation from Nigeria.

A statement by the airline on Thursday, stated that the suspension is due to its inability to repatriate its earnings in foreign exchange from Nigeria.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier noted that the suspension will help in curtailing further losses and reduce the impact on its operational costs that continue to accumulate in the Nigerian market.

The statement reads, “Emirates has taken the difficult decision to suspend all flights to and from Nigeria, effective 1 September 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 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.”