Emirates Airlines has said it will suspend all flights to Nigeria from September 1 due to its inability to repatriate revenue from the country.
According to a statement by the Airlines’ Public Relations Manager, Rula Tadros on Thursday, it said the “difficult decision” was taken to limit “further losses and impact on our operational costs” that continue to accumulate in the market.
“Emirates has taken the difficult decision to suspend all flights to and from Nigeria, effective 1 September 2022,” the airline said.
It said, “Emirates has 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,” the Airline added.
Emirates said it will be working to help impacted customers make alternative travel arrangements wherever possible.
The airline said should there be any positive developments in the coming days regarding Emirates’ blocked funds in Nigeria, it will re-evaluate its decision.
“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,” the Airline said.