The government of Dubai’s Investment Corporation of Dubai, owners of Emirates Airlines, has officially confirmed its return to Nigeria after 2 years hiatus, saying the airline has come to stay for good. This was confirmed by Adil Al Ghaith, the leader of Emirates’ delegation and Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East, and Central Asia, during an exclusive reception organised to celebrate the airline’s inaugural flight to Lagos yesterday.
The Airlines marked the historic moment as its inaugural flight to Nigeria touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after a two-year hiatus. The flight, a Boeing 777/300 (EK 703), landed at 15:20, signaling the airline’s commitment to resuming operations in one of its key African markets. The occasion was graced by top Emirates and Nigerian aviation officials.
Leading the Emirates delegation was Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East, and Central Asia. He was joined by David Broz, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical and Airline Industry Affairs; Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Emirates Airport Services, Outstation and Business Support; and Paulos Legesse, Country Manager, Nigeria.
The Nigerian delegation, led by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIarb (UK), included prominent aviation leaders such as Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Acting Director General of the NCAA; Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN; Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB; and all FAAN Directors.
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To celebrate this momentous return, an exclusive reception was organized at the Legend Hotel’s conference hall, courtesy of Dr. Phil Osagie of JSP Communications on behalf of Emirates Airlines. In attendance were top executives from both Emirates and Nigerian aviation agencies, as well as key stakeholders.
Adil Al Ghaith, visibly elated by the airline’s return, shared his excitement during his address. “Nigeria has always been one of our most important markets, with 14 weekly flights to and from Lagos and 7 to Abuja before the hiatus. We are delighted to be back, and this time, we are back for good,” he said. He further emphasized the strong ties between the UAE and Nigeria, thanking Nigerian authorities for their support in making the return possible. “We are back today, and we came to stay.”
In his response, Minister Keyamo humorously referred to Al Ghaith’s statement, likening the airline’s return to a couple rekindling their relationship after realizing what they had missed. “Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and with its most traveled population, must be a priority for Emirates. Our potential to become the continent’s aviation hub makes this partnership essential,” the Minister added. 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, symbolizing 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.
Tunde Moshood
Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
