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Emirates Airlines has announced the suspension of flights to and from Nigeria with effect from September 1.
This development is said to be connected to the company’s failure to repatriate its ticket sales fund of about $85 million trapped in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that in July, Emirates Airlines said it will reduce the number of flights to Nigeria from August 15 due to the issue.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson on Thursday morning, the airline noted that its efforts to initiate dialogue with the relevant authorities and find a lasting solution proved abortive.
“Regrettably there has been no progress. Therefore, Emirates has taken the difficult decision to suspend all flights to and from Nigeria, effective 1 September 2022, to limit further losses and impact on our operational costs that continue to accumulate in the market,” the statement read in part.
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“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our customers, however the circumstances are beyond our control at this stage. We will be working to help impacted customers make alternative travel arrangements wherever possible.
“Should there be any positive developments in the coming days regarding Emirates’ blocked funds in Nigeria, we will of course re-evaluate our 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.”
BBN
