Emirates Airline has announced it will resume flight operations to Nigeria, nearly two years after suspending services due to financial and diplomatic challenges.
The Dubai-based carrier will restart flights between Lagos and Dubai from October 1, 2025, restoring a vital air link between the two countries.
The decision follows renewed diplomatic engagement between Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who met in Abu Dhabi last September to resolve long-standing issues surrounding visa restrictions and the repatriation of airline funds.
Emirates suspended its Nigerian operations in 2022 after being unable to repatriate revenue held in the country, while the UAE simultaneously imposed visa restrictions on Nigerian nationals. The latest development marks a significant improvement in bilateral relations.
“We are delighted to reconnect Nigeria to our global network and welcome back our customers and partners,” Emirates said in a statement.
The reinstated route will connect Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos, with Dubai International Airport, offering passengers seamless connections to more than 140 destinations worldwide. Cargo operations are also set to resume, a move analysts say will strengthen trade flows between Nigeria and the UAE.
Aviation experts view the resumption as a major boost for Nigeria’s aviation and tourism sectors, restoring one of the most in-demand international routes for business and leisure travellers alike.
With the return of Emirates, Nigerian travellers can once again enjoy direct access to Dubai’s world-class tourism, shopping, and business hubs, while the UAE stands to benefit from renewed economic and cultural exchanges with Africa’s largest economy. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
