Emirates Airlines has announced it is suspending all flights to and from Nigeria effective September 1, 2022.
The Middle East carrier made the announcement in a statement sent to Qed.ng on Thursday.
The airline cited difficulties in repatriating about $85 million in revenue from the Nigerian government.
“Emirates has tried every avenue to address our ongoing challenges in repatriating funds from Nigeria, and we have made considerable efforts to initiate dialogue with the relevant authorities for their urgent intervention to help find a viable solution.
“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.
“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,” the statement by the airline’s spokesman Adekunle Olushola said.
The airline added that it remains keen to serve Nigeria and provide much needed connectivity for Nigerian travellers.
