The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to recommence flights with Nigeria ahead of the summer season.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed this during an interview on Arise News on Monday, April 8.
Keyamo revealed that Emirates Airline had expressed its readiness to resume operations in a letter addressed to the Nigerian Government. He clarified that the previous announcement and resolution were not false but were rushed.
“The resumption of Emirates flights is imminent. I have just received a letter from Emirates confirming their readiness. They have completed all necessary processes and are prepared to return. They will announce the exact date once they secure aircraft for the route.
“I am pleased to inform Nigerians that I have received confirmation from Emirates. President Buhari played a pivotal role in facilitating this resolution. His diplomatic efforts made my job easier. This is why I stated that the previous announcement was premature, not false. Emirates will soon announce their return date. We have received assurances that all issues have been addressed, and they are ready to resume operations. It could happen before June.”
In addition to Emirates’ suspension of flights to Nigeria in 2022, the UAE Immigration Department halted visa applications from 22 countries, including 20 African nations.
