Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: Emirates

Emirates Restores Flight Operations To Lagos
Emirates Airlines has restored its flight operations to Nigeria’s commercial capital of Lagos
The company announced this in emails sent to its customers
“We are pleased to inform you that effective from 11th September 2022, we will reinstate operations of our flights,” Emirates said on Wednesday.
“Inbound flights from Dubai to Lagos (EK783) and outbound flights from Lagos to Dubai (EK784) will recommence from Sunday, 11th September 2022.
“Lagos flights after 30th September 2022 will be advised in due course.”
Wednesday’s reinstatement came two weeks after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carrier suspended flight operations, citing its inability to repatriate its earnings in foreign exchange from Nigeria.
“We have had no choice but to take this action, to mitigate the continued losses Emirates is experiencing as a result of funds being blocked in Nigeria,” the airlines said in a letter addressed to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.
“As of July 2022, Emirates has US$85 million of funds awaiting repatriation from Nigeria. This figure has been rising by more than $US10 million every month, as the ongoing operational costs of our 11 weekly flights to Lagos and 5 to Abuja continue to accumulate.”
The Emirates’ move followed concerns raised by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) over the issue. IATA had said foreign airlines’ funds trapped in Nigeria rose from $450 million in May to $464 million in July.
While the Federal Government said Nigeria was having a forex exchange crisis and thus could not meet some responsibilities, including revenue repatriation by foreign airlines, it later bowed to pressure and released $265 million to the airlines.
The IATA lauded the step, noting that it would boost foreign airlines’ to continue their service in Nigeria.
August 31, 2022
Emirates Indefinitely Suspends Flights to Nigeria
Emirates Airlines has announced the suspension of its flight operations to Nigeria, starting September 1, 2022.
The flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, citing the inability to repatriate its earnings in foreign exchange from Nigeria.
Emirates had about two weeks ago said that out of these funds, it had about $85 million in Nigeria.
The airline had on Monday cut its 11 weekly frequencies into Lagos Airport to just seven.
A statement by the media consultant to the airline in Nigeria alleged that all efforts to repatriate the funds had proved abortive and it was compelled to take the decision of suspending all flights into the country.
The airline’s statement on Thursday said: ”Emirates has tried every avenue to address our ongoing challenges in repatriating funds from Nigeria, and we have made considerable efforts to initiate dialogue with the relevant authorities for their urgent intervention to help find a viable solution.
”Regrettably, there has been no progress. Therefore, Emirates has taken the difficult decision to suspend all flights to and from Nigeria, effective September 1 2022, to limit further losses and impact on our operational costs that continue to accumulate in the market.
”We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our customers, however the circumstances are beyond our control at this stage. We will be working to help impacted customers make alternative travel arrangements wherever possible.
”Should there be any positive developments in the coming days regarding Emirates’ blocked funds in Nigeria, we will of course re-evaluate our decision. We remain keen to serve Nigeria, and our operations provide much needed connectivity for Nigerian travellers, providing access to trade and tourism opportunities to Dubai and to our broader network of over 130 destinations.”
August 18, 2022
FG Approves Resumption of Emirates Flight Operations to Nigeria
The federal government has given approval for Dubai-based Emirates Airlines to resume flight operations to Nigeria anytime, just as Air Peace has indicated that it would resume operations to Dubai from March 1, 2022.
This was contained in a letter written by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and addressed to His Excellency, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaid, Director General, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority dated February 1, 2022 with reference: NCAA/DG/CCAA/20/16/119.
In the letter, which was signed by NCAA Director General, Captain Musa Nuhu and titled: Re: Operations of Flights-UAE/Nigeria VV-COVID-19 Safety Decision Issue 24, it said that the safety issue 24 had been accepted by the Nigerian authorities after a review by relevant parties.
The letter stated, “Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority extends its compliments to the General Civil Aviation Authority of United Arab Emirates.
“Your letter of 28 January 2022 with Ref GCAA/ATD/19-22 on the above subject matter refers.
“I wish to inform you that the safety decision issue has been accepted by Nigeria authorities after review by relevant parties.
“Consequently, Emirates Airlines can resume scheduled passenger flight operations to Nigeria at its convenience.
“I wish to bring to the notice of HE that the Nigerian operator, Air Peace Airlines has submitted its request to UAE Authorities for resumption of scheduled passenger flights between the two countries effective 01 March 2022.”
Following the outbreak of Omicron variant of COVID-19 late last year, UAE restricted passengers travelling to the Middle East nation from Nigeria and 11 other African countries, which it lifted on January 29, 2022.
Earlier, Nigeria and UAE had settled impasse occasioned by disagreement over conduct of COVID-19 tests, and later disagreement over flight slots.
Federal government restored Emirates 21 weekly flights, while UAE allowed Air Peace seven weekly flights to Dubai International Airport.
February 1, 2022
UAE Relaxes Entry Ban On Nigerian Travellers From Saturday
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will resume passenger flights from Nigeria and 11 other African countries on Saturday, January 29.
UAE’s National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) announced this in a tweet on Wednesday.
“From January 29, entry into the UAE for arrivals from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, the Republic of South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe is allowed again,” the tweet read.
The country’s agency said entry procedures have been updated for flights originating from Ghana, Rwanda, and Uganda.
According to the statement, passengers arriving from these three countries to the UAE must have a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours of departure from the approved labs in their respective countries.
It added that passengers must undergo a Rapid PCR test at the airports of departure. On arrival in the UAE, they will be subjected to another PCR test, asking residents of African countries to refrain from travelling to the country if they have COVID-19 symptoms.
January 27, 2022
Emirates To Suspend Nigeria Flights From December 13
Emirates Airline on Friday said it was suspending all its flights between Nigeria and Dubai from December 13.
The airline’s decision comes after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) limited its flight activities in Nigeria.
The NCAA had accused UAE authorities of not granting equal rights to the sole Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, flying to Dubai via Sharjah.
“With the recently imposed directive limiting Emirates to operate one flight per week to Nigeria via Abuja, Emirates will be suspending its flights between Nigeria and Dubai from 13 December 2021, until the UAE and Nigerian authorities work on a solution to the ongoing issue,” a statement from Emirates said on Friday.
“The last flights to operate on 12 December 2021are EK 783/784 to/from Lagos and EK 785/786 to/from Abuja
“Customers holding tickets with the final destinations Lagos and Abuja will not be accepted at the point of origin.
“Affected customers do not need to call us immediately for rebooking. Customers can simply hold on to their Emirates ticket and when flights resume, get in touch with their travel agent or booking office to make new travel plans.
“Emirates regrets any inconvenience caused.
“In order to receive the latest updates on their flights, customers are also advised to ensure that their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking
“Emirates is committed to its operations in Nigeria, and we stand ready to reinstate services once restrictions are lifted by the Nigerian authorities, ensuring travellers have more choice and access to trade and tourism opportunities in Dubai, and beyond to our network of over 120 destinations.”
December 11, 2021
FG cuts Emirates’ daily flight operations into Abuja to once-weekly
The federal government has reduced Emirates Airlines’ flight operations to Abuja airport from daily to once per week.
In a letter dated December 9 and addressed to the country manager, Emirates Airlines, Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said that the new schedule becomes effective on Sunday, December 12, 2021.
The letter was signed by Musa Nuhu, NCAA director-general.
“I wish to inform you of the withdrawal of the approval granted to Emirates Airlines Winter Schedule. This approval was conveyed via a letter with reference number FMA/ATMD/501/C.104/XV/536 dated December 1, 2021,” the statement reads.
“This withdrawal becomes effective on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 2300h. Please kindly note, henceforth, Emirates Airlines is granted approval to operate only one weekly passenger frequency to Abuja on Thursdays.
“Please be guided accordingly. Do accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
Emirates is the largest airline and one of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — the other is Etihad Airways.
Last Sunday, Emirates resumed flight operations to Nigeria after almost ten months of diplomatic discussions around COVID-19 travel requirements for Nigerian passengers.
In February, the airline had instructed Nigerian travellers at the Lagos and Abuja airports to take another PCR test on arrival at Dubai — the directive led to a ban on Emirates flights in Nigeria.
The decision was later reversed when the airline agreed to stop the rapid antigen tests.
In a twist in March, the federal government reintroduced the ban, explaining that Emirates had continued to conduct tests for passengers before departure and at arrival in Dubai.
December 10, 2021
Ganduje Gives Reason For Creation Of Additional Emirates
By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state disclosed tht his administration’s decision to create additional emirates inorder to bring traditional rulers close to the people and to ensure that there is an even distribution of infrastructure and other social services.
He made this known in his speech shortly after presenting a staff of office to the emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero in a colourful ceremony that was held at Bichi Town ship stadium Saturday 21st August 2021.
Ganduje added that Kano state government would continue to bring all the necessary facilities that would enable the traditional institutions to continue especially at present when there is the need for more helping hands in the promotion of peace and unity in our societies.
Furthermore, governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje described emir Nasir Ado Bayero as somebody who is blessed with experiences that would be an added advantage to the economic and general develooment of the entire people’s le of Bichi emirate without bias.
In his remark, the emir of Bichi Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero promised to work seriously for the development of his emirate especially in the area of education, economy, infrastructural provision and security of lives and properties of the people.
The Sultan of Sokoto Sa’ad Abubakar III commended governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for creating more Emirates in Kano state in order to bring more development across the state and Congratulates Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero for the successful coronation ceremony with prominent personalities in attendance.
President Muhammadu Buhari was ably represented by his chief of staff professor Ibrahim Gambari, the minister of agriculture Sabo Na nono, special assistant to president on Media and Publicity Malam Garba Shehu while prominent Emir’s, Obas, Chiefs, bussiness moguls, governors and other invited guests are among those who witnessed the ceremony.
August 21, 2021