Emirates airline has recommenced passenger services to Lagos, Nigeria, operating daily flights.
Leading the official delegation on board was Adil Al Ghaith, senior vice president of Commercial Operations for the Gulf, Middle East, and Central Asia; accompanied by David Broz, senior vice president of Aeropolitical and Airline Industry Affairs, and Sami Aqil Abdullah, senior vice president of Emirates Airport Services Outstation and Business Support.
The Nigerian delegation included Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Zayyan Ibrahim, consul general of Nigeria in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; and Adewale Babtunde Awolesi, head of Chancery at the Consulate General of Nigeria.
Shortly after arrival, Emirates hosted an exclusive event for VIPs, government officials, and representatives from Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority, Customs, Police, and Airforce, as well as trade partners and corporate clients.
Commitment to connectivity
Regarding the service resumption, Adnan Kazim, deputy president and chief commercial officer of Emirates Airline, expressed excitement about the long-anticipated return to Lagos, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to reconnecting travelers seamlessly to Dubai while providing a world-class experience on board.
He extended gratitude to the Nigerian authorities, particularly the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, as well as UAE officials, including the UAE Ambassador and the Consul General in Lagos, for their support. He affirmed the airline’s dedication to making the route successful and contributing to the growth of the Nigerian aviation sector by enhancing choices and connectivity.
Positive outlook for the partnership
Festus Keyamo conveyed pleasure at Emirates’ return to Nigeria, noting the airline’s status as a global brand and highlighting Nigeria’s significance as a prime destination for major international airlines. He indicated that the partnership would be mutually beneficial and expressed hope for many years of seamless operations for both countries’ designated airlines along the route.
Flight details
Flight EK783 departs Dubai at 09:45, arriving in Lagos at 15:20. The return flight, EK784, leaves Lagos at 17:30 and lands in Dubai at 05:10 the following day. This daily service has been strategically scheduled to optimize connections to key locations in Europe, the U.S., the Far East, and the wider Middle East and GCC, enhancing business and leisure travel to and from Nigeria.
Read more: Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s with Premium Economy rolling out to six U.S. cities
Strengthening business ties between UAE and Nigeria
Moreover, with the restart of operations to Lagos, Emirates enhances connectivity to one of Africa’s key economic centers, bolstering global trade and reinforcing the strong bilateral trade relations between the UAE and Nigeria.
Emirates SkyCargo will assist Nigerian businesses by providing over 300 tons of cargo capacity weekly, facilitating shipments to significant markets such as the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bahrain. Additionally, goods expected for export include Kola Nuts, food and beverages, and urgent courier materials, all efficiently handled through the airline’s advanced hub in Dubai. Imports into Nigeria are anticipated from key markets like the UAE, India, and Hong Kong, featuring a variety of general cargo, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
Premium experience across all classes
According to a statement, the Dubai-Lagos route is served by a Boeing 777-300ER, featuring eight First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats, and 304 Economy Class seats, each offering added comforts and amenities. Emirates is among only two airlines providing First Class services to and from Lagos, ensuring an exceptional travel experience with luxurious touches, a gourmet selection of dishes and beverages, and one of the largest screens available in the sky, all within a comfortable and private setting.
Passengers can enjoy regionally inspired multi-course meals complemented by a broad selection of premium beverages. They can also access over 6,500 channels of global entertainment, including 23 Nigerian films and series on Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice.
To facilitate travel to Dubai or beyond, Emirates will also offer 48-hour and 96-hour Dubai visa applications for travelers from Nigeria, an exclusive benefit for the airline’s customers.
In celebration of the service resumption, Emirates’ award-winning loyalty program, Skywards, has reinstated previous tier status levels for members, ensuring they continue to enjoy earned benefits and recognition.
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