Visa Bank: Emirates Airlines mulls suspension of Lagos-Dubai flights indefinitely

Airlines is once again contemplating the suspension of its Lagos-Dubai route, primarily due to challenges in achieving full passenger capacity. This shortfall is largely attributed to stringent visa requirements imposed on Nigerian travelers, which have deterred many potential passengers. The Emirati company is said to be struggling to fill its planes to capacity, but Nigerian Aviation sources claimed the world’s largest international airline is making profit on the lucrative Lagos-Dubai route, and interpret the threat to shut down as an arm-twisting measure to extract concessions from the government. President Bola Tinubu himself has personally weighed-in, mandating Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, to leverage all the resources within his competence to prevent Emirates from shutting down its Lagos-Dubai operations.

It is worth recalling that in October 2022, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented a visa ban on Nigerian citizens, leading to the suspension of flight operations between the two countries. This impasse persisted until September 2023, when President Tinubu engaged in diplomatic discussions with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These talks culminated in the immediate lifting of the visa ban and the resumption of flight schedules by both Etihad and Emirates Airlines. Despite the resumption of flights, the introduction of very stringent, rigorous visa application procedures has continued to hamper travel. Prospective Nigerian travelers now face requirements such as: a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000; round-trip flight tickets and confirmed hotel bookings; and mandatory document verification process for travelers above 13 years, incurring a non-refundable fee of N688,000. These stringent conditions have significantly reduced the number of Nigerians traveling to the UAE, impacting airlines’ ability to operate profitably on this route.

The Lagos-Dubai air route has been a significant corridor for both business and leisure travelers, with Emirates Airlines playing a pivotal role in connecting these two cities. A source close to the Aviation Minister who elected anonymity, told Huhuonline.com that despite the visa restrictions imposed on Nigerian travelers by the United Arab Emirates, (UAE), the average flight costs and the route’s overall profitability, remain competitive. The source disclosed that as at August 2024, Emirates priced economy class round tickets at approximately $987 (₦1.59 million), while business class round tickets were $4,418 (₦7.1 million). Comparatively, Lagos to London Economy class round tickets were $1,130 (₦1.83 million), and business class round tickets were approximately $4,290 (₦4.9 million).

The Aviation Ministry source disclosed that after resuming operations on October 1, 2024, following the two-year suspension, Emirates reported promising load factors on the Lagos-Dubai route in February 2025. The airline achieved a load factor exceeding 75%, indicating that more than three-quarters its available seats were occupied. Huhuonline.com checks revealed that the Lagos-Dubai route is operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, offering eight (8) First Class suites, 42 Business class seats and 304 economy class seats, with added comforts and perks in each cabin class. Emirates is one of only two airlines offering First Class in and out of Lagos, and offers an unrivalled experience with luxurious touches, a premium gastronomic selection of dishes and drinks. Passengers dine on regional multi-course menus, complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages, and can tune in to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment, including 23 Nigerian movies, series and other content on Ice, Emirates’ inflight entertainment system. To support travel to Dubai or onwards, Emirates also facilitates 48 hour and 96 hour Dubai visa applications for travelers from Nigeria, an offer which is exclusive to the airline.

To prevent Emirates from ceasing its operations in Nigeria, President Tinubu has initiated high-level discussions with UAE authorities to advocate for the relaxation of visa requirements for Nigerian citizens, and emphasizing the mutual economic benefits of eased travel restrictions. The government is said to be planning a major public awareness campaign to educate Nigerian travelers on compliance with international travel regulations and promote a positive image to counteract any negative perceptions that may contribute to stringent visa policies.

The President has reportedly been working the phones, trying to negotiate a new more balanced Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that ensures equitable flight operations between Nigerian and UAE airlines, fostering a fair competitive environment. Nigerian Aviation Ministry sources also told Huhuonline.com that Tinubu and his team are exploring the possibility of offering incentives to Emirates Airlines, such as reduced operational costs or tax breaks, to encourage the continuation of their services in Nigeria. Huhuonline.com understands that President Tinubu and Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo are at odds over the issue of tax breaks to Emirates. Keyamo, one source noted, wants the government to invest in and support Nigerian carriers to enhance their capacity to operate international routes, providing travelers with viable alternatives and reducing dependency on foreign airlines. But Tinubu prefers to address the stringent visa policies that have historically led to decreased travel demand, affecting load factors and profitability.

In July 2024, Emirates reduced its Lagos-Dubai flight frequencies from two daily flights to one, citing economic challenges and a decline in passenger numbers.  Emirates SkyCargo will support Nigerian businesses by offering more than 300 tons of belly-hold cargo capacity in and out of Lagos every week, into key markets such as UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bahrain. Anticipated commodities such as kola nuts, food and beverages, are transported via the airline’s state-of-the-art hub in Dubai, quickly, efficiently, and reliably via the airline’s multi-vertical specialized product portfolio. Imports into Nigeria from key markets such as UAE, India and Hong Kong, with key commodities include a mix of general cargo, pharmaceuticals and electronics. The Lagos-Dubai route remains vital for Emirates Airlines, with recent load factors suggesting a recovery in passenger demand. However, visa restrictions have posed challenges, leading to adjustments in flight operations. Continued diplomatic efforts and policy adjustments may be necessary to sustain and enhance the profitability of this important air corridor.