BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Emirates, Dubai-based flag carrier has officially returned to Nigerian skies, marking the end of a two-year break following some bilateral quakes.
As flights services resume, the Investment Corporation of Dubai, owners of Emirates Airlines, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nigerian market.
Spokesman of the Nigerian Aviation Minister, Tunde Moshood, in a statement on Thursday, quoted Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Gulf, Middle East, and Central Asia, as saying that the Nigerian market was central to its global operations.
He spoke during an exclusive reception celebrating Emirates’ inaugural flight to Lagos.
The historic flight, a Boeing 777-300 (EK 703), touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 15:20, marking the airline’s recommitment to one of its vital African destinations.
The occasion was attended by key officials from both Emirates and the Nigerian aviation sector, highlighting the importance of this event.
Leading the Emirates delegation, Adil Al Ghaith was joined by David Broz, Senior Vice President of Aeropolitical and Airline Industry Affairs; Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Emirates Airport Services; and Paulos Legesse, Country Manager for Nigeria.
They were met by a prominent Nigerian delegation, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIarb (UK), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Acting Director General of the NCAA; Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN; Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB; and other key FAAN directors.
To commemorate the momentous return, an exclusive reception was held at the Legend Hotel’s conference hall, organized by Dr. Phil Osagie of JSP Communications on behalf of Emirates Airlines.
The event brought together top executives from Emirates, Nigerian aviation agencies, and essential stakeholders in the industry.
In his address, Al Ghaith expressed his delight at returning to Nigeria.
“Nigeria has always been one of our most important markets, previously operating 14 weekly flights to Lagos and 7 to Abuja before our hiatus. We are thrilled to be back, and this time, we are here to stay,” he stated.
He also highlighted the strong ties between the UAE and Nigeria, thanking the Nigerian authorities for their support in facilitating this return. “Today, we are back, and we have come to stay.”
Keyamo, in his remarks, likened Al Ghaith’s statement to a couple rekindling their relationship after recognizing what they had missed.
He said: “As Africa’s largest economy with the continent’s most traveled population, Nigeria must be a priority for Emirates. Our potential to become the continent’s aviation hub makes this partnership essential”, Keyamo noted.
The Minister expressed optimism about future collaborations between Nigeria and the UAE, extending beyond the resumption of flights.
The evening culminated in a ceremonial cake-cutting and a gift exchange, symbolising the renewed partnership between Emirates Airlines and Nigeria.
This emphasised the airline’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Nigerian market and enhancing collaboration with local aviation stakeholders, heralding a promising new chapter in their relationship.
