In a significant development, Emirates Airlines from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up to recommence flights to Nigeria, marking a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two nations.
The decision comes after extensive deliberations, notably including visits by President Bola Tinubu to the UAE, aimed at resolving the communication impasse that had strained ties between the countries.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this encouraging news during an appearance on Arise Television.
Keyamo shared that Emirates Airlines had conveyed its readiness to resume operations through a formal communication addressed to the Nigerian government.
Clarifying the previous confusion surrounding the situation, Keyamo emphasized that the previous announcements were not misinformation but perhaps premature in their presentation. He explained, “Emirates flight resumption is almost happening.
I just received a letter from Emirates. The letter is on my phone now. They have gone through all the gamut and they are ready to come back.”
Highlighting the diplomatic efforts behind the scenes, Keyamo credited President Tinubu for his proactive engagement, which played a pivotal role in facilitating the progress. “Mr. President was the showman here.
He was the one who pushed for it. He made my job easy because he went there and had a diplomatic shuttle to resolve all the issues,” Keyamo remarked, underscoring the significance of diplomatic initiatives in resolving complex matters.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by Emirates in resuming operations, Keyamo revealed that the airline was in the process of securing aircraft for the route, a crucial step before announcing the official restart date.
He assured Nigerians that the letter received from Emirates signified a genuine commitment to resolving outstanding issues and expressed optimism that flights could resume before June.
The decision to resume flights holds broader significance beyond mere air travel. In 2022, Emirates had suspended its flights to Nigeria amidst a broader policy shift by the UAE Immigration Department, which halted visa applications from 22 countries, including 20 African nations.
The impending resumption of flights signals a positive turn in diplomatic relations and trade ties between Nigeria and the UAE, potentially paving the way for renewed cooperation and mutual benefits.
As preparations for the resumption of flights gather momentum, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the formal announcement of the restart date, marking a crucial step towards restoring normalcy in air connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE.
