The Investment Corporation of Dubai, the owner of Emirates Airlines, has officially confirmed its return to Nigeria after a two-year hiatus, stating that the airline is here to stay for good.
This announcement was made by Adil Al Ghaith, the leader of Emirates’ delegation and Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia, during an exclusive reception organised to celebrate the airline’s inaugural flight to Lagos yesterday.
The airline marked this historic moment as its inaugural flight to Nigeria touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, following a two-year absence. The flight, a Boeing 777/300 (EK 703), landed at 15:20, signaling Emirates’ commitment to resuming operations in one of its key African markets. The occasion was attended by top Emirates and Nigerian aviation officials.
Adil Al Ghaith led the Emirates delegation, which included the senior vice-president of aeropolitical and airline industry affairs, David Broz; Senior vice-president of Emirates Airport Services, outstation and business support, Sami Aqil Abdullah and country manager for Nigeria Paulos Legesse.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN. Prominent aviation leaders, such as acting director-general of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo; Managing director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Director-general of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. and all FAAN directors, were also present.
To commemorate this significant return, an exclusive reception was held at the Legend Hotel’s conference hall, courtesy of Dr. Phil Osagie of JSP Communications on behalf of Emirates Airlines. The event was attended by high-ranking executives from both Emirates and Nigerian aviation agencies, along with key stakeholders.
During his address, Adil Al Ghaith expressed his excitement about the airline’s return. “Nigeria has always been one of our most important markets, with 14 weekly flights to and from Lagos and seven to Abuja before the hiatus. We are delighted to be back and, this time, we are here for good,” he stated. He emphasised the strong ties between the UAE and Nigeria, thanking Nigerian authorities for their support in facilitating the return. “We are back today and we are here to stay.”
In his response, Keyamo humorously likened the airline’s return to a couple rekindling their relationship after realising what they had missed. “Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy with its most traveled population, must be a priority for Emirates. Our potential to become the continent’s aviation hub makes this partnership essential,” he noted. He expressed optimism about the future, hinting at broader business opportunities between Nigeria and the UAE beyond the resumption of flights.
The evening reached its peak with a ceremonial cake-cutting and an exchange of gifts, symbolising the renewed partnership between Emirates Airlines and Nigeria. This event underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening its operations in the Nigerian market and fostering deeper collaboration with Nigerian aviation stakeholders.
