Dubai-based Emirates Airlines has restarted its daily passenger services to Lagos, marking the end of a two-year hiatus at this popular African destination. The airline, which was grounded in 2022, resumed operations on October 1, with the inaugural flight touching down at Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA). Passengers now have the option to board a daily flight departing Dubai at 9:45 am, arriving in Lagos at 3:20 pm, after a journey of approximately seven hours. The return flight from Lagos is scheduled for 5:30 pm, landing in Dubai at 5:10 am the next day.

The daily service is designed to enhance connectivity between Lagos and key destinations in Europe, the US, Far East, and the broader Middle East and GCC regions, thereby facilitating both business and leisure travel to and from Nigeria. To support travel to Dubai or beyond, Emirates is also offering 48-hour and 96-hour Dubai visa applications exclusively to Nigerian travelers.

The Dubai-Lagos route is serviced by a Boeing 777-300ER, which offers eight First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats, and 304 Economy Class seats. In celebration of the service resumption, Emirates' Skywards loyalty program has reinstated previous tier status levels for its members, ensuring the continuation of earned benefits and recognition.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Airline, expressed his excitement, stating, "This is a long-awaited moment, and we are thrilled to resume operations to Lagos, reconnecting travelers seamlessly to and through Dubai, while maintaining our world-class onboard experience."

With the resumption of services to Lagos, Emirates aims to strengthen business ties by providing seamless connectivity to one of Africa's major economic hubs. This move aligns with the strong bilateral trade relations between the UAE and Nigeria. Emirates SkyCargo will also support Nigerian businesses by offering over 300 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity weekly, connecting Lagos to key markets like the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bahrain, among others.

Commodities such as Kola Nuts, food and beverages, and urgent courier materials will be transported via Emirates' state-of-the-art hub in Dubai, ensuring quick, efficient, and reliable delivery through the airline's specialized product portfolio. Imports into Nigeria are expected from key markets including the UAE, India, and Hong Kong, with commodities ranging from general cargo, pharmaceuticals, to electronics.