Emirates Airlines touches down in Nigeria after two-year gap

After a two-year suspension, Emirates Airlines resumed operations in Nigeria, landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Tuesday.

Flight EK 783, a Boeing 777-300ER, touched down at 3:32 PM, marking the airline’s first landing in the country since halting services in 2021 due to unresolved issues, including approximately $85 million in trapped funds.

The flight’s return was met with a water cannon salute, a ceremonial gesture often used to celebrate significant aviation events. However, passenger numbers were notably low, with several empty seats reported.

Passengers praised the airline’s services despite the sparse attendance, attributing the lighter load to the airline’s gradual re-entry into the market. Departing travelers were processed at the airport’s new terminal, while arriving passengers disembarked at the old terminal.

The resumption follows successful negotiations between Nigeria and the UAE, led by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The discussions resulted in a new bilateral air service agreement, aimed at fostering stronger aviation ties between the two nations.

The return of Emirates is expected to boost international travel options and open the door for reciprocal flights, potentially including Air Peace’s return to the UAE