The federal government has reduced flight operations of Emirates Airlines’ to Abuja airport from daily to once per week.
Emirates is the largest airline and one of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Musa Nuhu, gave the directive in a letter dated December 9 and addressed to the country manager of Emirates Airlines, Nigeria. It said the new schedule takes effect on Sunday, December 12, 2021.
The reduction in the flight operation came six days after the airline resumed flight operations to Nigeria after 10 months of diplomatic discussions around COVID-19 travel requirements for Nigerian passengers.
The airline had In February instructed Nigerian travellers at the Lagos and Abuja airports to take another PCR test on arrival in Dubai, the directive led to a ban on Emirates flights in Nigeria.
“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.”
