The Emirates airline announced the suspension of its flights to and from Nigeria due to challenges in repatriating funds from the African country and to limit losses on Thursday.
The Dubai-based airline’s spokesperson asserted that it would re-evaluate this “difficult decision” if there is a positive development with regard to the repatriation of blocked funds.
Reportedly, Nigeria authorities stated that around 20 airlines have been unable to repatriate their ticket sale funds of over $600 million (Dh2.2 billion) so far this year from the country.
“Emirates has tried every avenue to address our ongoing challenges in repatriating funds from Nigeria, and the airline have made considerable efforts to initiate dialogue with the relevant authorities for their urgent intervention to help find a viable solution. But, there has been no progress. Hence, the country has taken the difficult decision to suspend all flights to and from Nigeria, which come into effect September 1, 2022, to limit further losses and impact on our operational costs that continue to accumulate in the market,” an Emirates spokesperson said in a statement.
“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.”
All efforts so far made by the foreign airlines to get their blocked funds repatriated to their home countries had met brick wall as the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continued to show a lackadaisical attitude towards the plight of the foreign carriers.
Dubai’s flagship carrier said the circumstances are beyond its control at this stage and assured that it will be working to help impacted customers make alternative travel arrangements wherever possible.
