The airlines said it would resume again on September 11 following the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to release $256m, being the part payment.
United Arab Emirates, UAE, Airlines on Thursday announced the reinstatement of its flight operations in Nigeria.
The airlines had announced suspension of flight operations into the country from September 1, 2022, following its inability to repatriate over $85 million of its tickets sale.
The Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, released part of the outstanding ticket sales fund, in response to the development.
The airlines said it would resume again on September 11 following the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to release $256m, being the part payment.
Emirates which had earlier reduced its flights to Nigeria from 11 to seven, has closed fresh bookings on the website and the platform for travel agents as the suspension took effect today, in line with the announcement.
But the intervention by the CBN which has also been applauded by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) saw many of the foreign airlines including British Airways reviewing their initial plans to leave the Nigerian Market.
Emirates has also confirmed reinstating the Nigerian route though with reduced frequencies at the initial stage.
The airline would return to Lagos by September 11 with four weekly flights.
Emirates in a statement on Thursday said it would continue to engage the Nigerian authorities to repatriate outstanding funds.
The statement read: “Emirates welcomes the Central Bank of Nigeria’s move to release a portion of our blocked funds, and we continue to engage with the Nigerian authorities to ensure the repatriation of our outstanding and future funds may continue without hindrance.
“In light of these developments, Emirates will reinstate flights to/from Lagos from 11 September, which is the earliest date for us to co-ordinate the smooth and safe resumption of operations. It will also provide travellers sufficient time to plan and book their journeys.
“We constantly review our network operations and will adjust our flying schedules to respond to market demand and other operational factors.
“We remain keen to serve Nigeria, by providing international connectivity for travellers and businesses to access to trade and tourism opportunities in Dubai, and across our broader network of over 130 destinations.”