KEY POINTS
- After two-year suspension because of revenues problems, Emirates back again in Lagos.
- There was no competitive local airline to middle with that had the side effect of causing ticket prices to rise.
- It is believed that the resumption will increase the level of competition and decrease the travelling expenses in Nigeria.
Emirates Airlines which halted operations in Nigeria for about two years started operations again with the arrival of its aircraft at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos Tuesday. The UAE’s flag carrier, flight EK 783, touched down at the old terminal of MMIA at 3:32 pm, which signified the resumption of the operation of Emirates in Nigeria.
This suspension was first effected in November 2022 due to failure by the airline to repatriate 85m in trapped revenue. Earlier today, Senior First Officer at Emirates, Moha Madugu posted on X (formerly twitter), saying, “A very special day for me today, I have the honour of operating our inaugural return flight to Lagos Nigeria… #EkoOniBaje.”
Outcome of no Emirates participation
This is not the first time Emirates had suspending flights to Nigeria, it has done so twice; once in August 2022. Thus, the suspension distorted the availability of available seat and ticketing price on the international routes as a result of constriction of seats.
Travel analyst Olumide Ohunayo explained the effects that arose because of the absence of Emirates and stated the following: “The departure of Emirates impacted 85 to 90 percent of passengers who were traveling beyond Dubai.” He noted that while Emirates’ absence was felt harder by other airlines, more Qatar Airways and airlines from Egypt and Morocco increased fares exploiting the Emirates’ absence resulting from new competition.
Emirates’ return and industry recovery
The return of Emirates is expected to bring a positive effect in Nigeria having a positive effect in the aviation industry by bringing competition and probably having effect on the prices of tickets. The resumption also implies that different service providers involved in carrying out activities for the airline company to operate will also get business, such agencies, airport taxis, and caterers among others. “Everyone got the jolt of their exits, whether as service providers or consumers,” Ohunayo continued.
According to Vanguard, This return is considered an advantage to Nigeria’s aviation industry as the absence of the company was characterised by loss of revenue and limited capability to travel. Their re-entry into the market is expected to bring some balance and relief to the pressures experienced within the industry and to customers.
