(Ecofin Agency) – The resumption of Emirates flights to Lagos, after the resolution of the problems of foreign currencies trapped in Nigeria, is a good sign for the return of other international companies. Etihad Airways, another Emirati carrier, also plans to resume this service in October.
After 2 years of absence in the Nigerian skies, Emirates Airlines returned to Lagos as announced in May, landing on Tuesday at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The return flight operated by a Boeing 777-300ER made a round trip between the Nigerian megacity and the United Arab Emirates, reports the local press.
This relaunch is the culmination of a series of discussions to improve relations which had deteriorated between the two countries, with a visa ban on Nigerians a few months ago finally lifted. The Emirati authorities criticized Abuja in particular for not making sufficient efforts to release the currencies of their carriers trapped at the Central Bank of Nigeria, and to repress the numerous cases of inappropriate and illegal conduct of Nigerian immigrants and tourists on their territory. .
The Central Bank finally released USD 831 million to reimburse nearly 98% of foreign air carrier currencies blocked in the country since June 2023.
The resumption of Emirates service revives travel, business and tourism between the two countries. The United Arab Emirates constitute one of the international economic centers with which Africa has greatly developed its commercial, tourist, etc. relations in recent years. The return of Emirates to Lagos could also restore confidence and attract other large companies to Nigeria.
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