Emirates extends flights suspension from Nigeria till March 20

 

Emirates Airline, the UAE’s national carrier and one of the world’s biggest airline, has extended the suspension of flights to Nigeria till March 20.

The airline usually runs a daily route from Lagos and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The development was disclosed in a release on its website.

MuchTalksBlog reports that Emirates had earlier announced a suspension of flights to South Africa and from Nigeria to Dubai. However, the initial suspension had been earmarked to last until March 10, 2021.

Nevertheless, this has now been extended to Saturday, March 20.

“In line with government directives; passenger services from Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) to Dubai are temporarily suspended until March 20, 2021. Customers from both Abuja and Lagos will not be accepted for travel prior to or including this date.”

Also, it disclosed that the suspension applies to passengers who have been to/connected through Nigeria in the last 14 days; adding that they are not allowed entry into the UAE (whether terminating in or connecting through Dubai).

However, Emirates flights from Dubai to Lagos and Abuja will continue to operate as per the normal schedule.

“We regret the inconvenience caused…Affected customers should contact their booking agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking. Emirates remains committed to Nigeria…We look forward to resuming passenger services to Dubai for our customers when conditions allow,” the statement disclosed.

Meanwhile, MuchTalksBlog can report that the suspension of flights from Nigeria to Dubai by Emirates is a result of a diplomatic row. The face-off between Nigeria and the UAE began over the requirement of rapid antigen tests for Nigerians travelling to the UAE.

Emirates Airlines had insisted on passengers carrying out the RDT test; six hours from the time-of-flight departure from Nigeria.

The development had seen the Nigerian government suspend Emirates Airlines’ operations to Nigeria effective 4th February 2021. However, this suspension was lifted almost as soon as it came into effect after the airline backed down.