By 
By Nana Theresa Timothy
Emirates Airlines has resumed flights to Nigeria after a two-year suspension. This marks its return with a flight that landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Tuesday, October 1, coinciding with Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier suspended its operations in 2021 due to unresolved issues. They include the airline’s trapped funds in Nigeria. The resumption signals a renewed commitment to the Nigerian market. Flight EK 783, a Boeing 777-300ER, arrived with several empty seats, indicating a gradual recovery.
Coinciding with GITEX GLOBAL 2024 in Dubai
The flight restoration comes just weeks ahead of GITEX GLOBAL 2024, the UAE’s largest tech show. It is holding from October 14-18. As the world’s biggest tech and startup event, GITEX GLOBAL 2024 will feature major players in the AI and tech industry. They include Adobe, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, and others.
More than 100 participants from Nigeria are expected to attend, including Lagos State and NNPC Limited. Both are showcasing in dedicated pavilions. Lagos State will highlight local startups and indigenous tech companies. Lagos’ presence is part of its broader efforts to promote innovation and technology on the global stage.
Operational Details at MMIA
Upon arrival, passengers on Emirates were processed through the Old Terminal of MMIA, while departing passengers utilized the newly opened terminal, reflecting ongoing infrastructure improvements at the airport.
The return of Emirates is seen as a positive development for both business and leisure travelers, signaling a new chapter for Nigeria’s aviation industry and strengthening ties between Nigeria and the UAE.
