Emirates returns to Nigerian airspace, airports Feb. 5 as it gets OK from government
By Sade Williams/Business a.m.
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Air Peace, Emirates to operate UAE, Nigeria BASA
The Emirates is returning to the Nigerian airspace and airports from February 5, 2022 after the government of the country, through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Wednesday, approved resumption of its flights into the country.
The airline said it will operate to and from Abuja and Lagos with daily flights, providing more choice, comfort and enhanced connectivity for travellers connecting to Dubai and over 120 destinations.
A statement from the airline said Emirates will operate to Abuja with EK 785 and 786. EK 785 will depart Dubai at 1100hrs, arriving in Abuja at 1540hrs. The return flight, EK 786 will take off from Abuja at 1900, arriving in Dubai at 0435hrs the next day.
‘’Emirates flight EK 783 to Lagos will depart Dubai at 1030hrs, arriving in Lagos at 1540hrs. The return flight EK 784 will depart Lagos at 1810hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0415hrs the next day. All flights can be booked on emirates.com, with OTAs and via travel agents.
‘’All passengers travelling from Nigeria with Dubai as their final destination require a 48 hour PCR test. Passengers must present a valid negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate with a QR code for a test conducted at an approved facility, and validity must be calculated from the time the sample was collected. Upon arrival in Dubai, passengers will undergo an additional Covid-19 PCR test and remain in self-quarantine until the results of the test are received.
‘’Passengers travelling from Nigeria and transiting in Dubai are required to follow the rules and requirements of their final destination.”, the airline said.
Earlier, the NCAA in a statement signed by Musa Nuhu, director general, NCAA said the Nigerian government approval for flight resumption followed the review and acceptance of Safety Decision 2021-02 Issue 24 as released by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), by the Federal Government.
“Following the review and acceptance of the “Safety Decision 2021-02 Issue 24”as released by United Arab Emirates (UAE) General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) by the Federal Government, the Honourable Minister of Aviation has approved the reinstatement of Emirates Airlines Winter Schedule with immediate effect. All parties have been informed accordingly.
“Consequently, Air Peace and Emirates Airlines are at liberty to resume scheduled passenger flights between Nigeria and UAE under the terms and conditions of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two countries.
“All parties must ensure strict compliance with the COVID-19 Travel Protocols of both countries,” the statement reads.
The NCAA reassured the travelling public that the federal government would continue to ensure the provision of air services while protecting national interests at all times.