Breaking: UAE Makes U-Turn, Reinstates Ban On Nigerian Flights

The United Arab Emirate flag carrier, 48 hours after announcing the resumption of flight to Nigeria, has against placed a ban on flights to the country.

Recall that the UAE authorities had initially fixed Wednesday, June 23, 2021, for the resumption of flights to Nigeria.

The airline in a statement released on its website on Monday wrote, “In line with government directives, passenger flights to and from Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) are suspended with effect from 21 June 2021 until further notice.”

Emirates said, “Customers travelling to and from Lagos and Abuja will not be accepted for travel. Customers who have been to or connected through Nigeria in the last 14 days are not permitted to board from any other point to the UAE.

“We regret the inconvenience caused, and affected customers should contact their booking agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking. Emirates remains committed to Nigeria, and we look forward to resuming passenger services when conditions allow.”

The airline had on Saturday announced the resumption of flights, which was suspended due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management had lifted the ban on Nigeria and also removed the rapid antigen test and said passengers from Nigeria would only be required to possess a negative PCR test.

“We look forward to facilitating travel from these countries and supporting various travellers’ categories.”

“We will resume carrying passengers from South Africa, Nigeria and India in accordance with these protocols from 23rd June,” Emirates had announced.