Uncertainty over Emirates’ flights after FG lifts ban

Hours after the Federal Government lifted suspension of Emirates flights to Nigeria, the airline is yet to announce resumption of its operation, Daily Trust on Sunday reports.

Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, had, on Friday, announced that the federal government had lifted restrictions on Emirates flights with effect from Friday, November 26.

This came nine months after the airline was suspended from operating to Nigeria over COVID-19 protocol.

Daily Trust on Sunday reports that the diplomatic row started after Emirates imposed a rapid antigen test (RDT) for Nigerian passengers in addition to the negative PCR test approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Since then, there has not been a direct flight on the highly lucrative Nigeria-Dubai route with some passengers going through other countries in Africa to connect to Dubai.

However, relief came the way of passengers and travel agents on Friday when the Federal Government lifted the ban after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities removed some conditions including the RDT which the government hitherto kicked against.