UAE lifts travel ban on Nigeria as Emirates resumes flights

The United Arab Emirates has finally lifted the travel ban on Nigeria, paving the way for the resumption of flights between the two countries.

Flights were suspended since March following a diplomatic row between the two over the COVID-19 rapid antigen test introduced by the UAE government in addition to the negative PCR test requirement stipulated by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

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The UAE flag carrier, Emirates, which suspended its flight since March, has now announced resumption from June 23rd.

This followed the updating of the travel protocols by the Dubai Disaster Management Committee which finally removed the rapid antigen test and said passengers from Nigeria would only be required to possess negative PCR test.

Emirates Airline, in a statement, welcomed the latest protocols and measures announced by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management to allow the safe resumption of passenger travel from South Africa, Nigeria and India to Dubai.

“We look forward to facilitating travel from these countries and supporting various travellers’ categories.

“We will resume carrying passengers from South Africa, Nigeria and India in accordance with these protocols from 23rd June.

“We thank the Supreme Committee for their continuous efforts in monitoring the development of the situation and announcing the appropriate guidelines and protocols to protect the community and safeguard the travel sector.”