The Dubai-based Emirates airline has said it will suspend flights to Nigeria from the start of September as it has been unable to repatriate its money from Nigeria. The problem has arisen because Nigeria has restricted access to foreign exchange, the Reuters news agency reports.
The government has not yet commented. In a statement, Emirates said it had “made considerable efforts to initiate dialogue with the relevant authorities for their urgent intervention to help find a viable solution “[It is] regrettable there has been no progress.”
What’s going to happen
- In order to “avoid future losses and influences on our operation expense,” flights will cease as of September 1.
- According to Reuters, the International Air Transport Association claimed in June that Nigeria was delaying the payment of $450 million (£370 million) owing to several airlines.
- Emirates stated that, “should there be any positive developments in the following days,” it may decide to change its mind.
- Affected travellers may receive ticket refunds.
What you should know
Emirates’ chief operating officer, Adel Ahmed Al-Redha, back in May announced the airline plans to accept the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, as a mode of payment for passengers using the airline.
Airlines on AGP Interline Electronic Ticketing Agreement (IET) GP code 275 in April 2022 announced a new policy which enables travelers to pay for flight tickets in Nigeria in dollars.
Nigeria is suffering from forex scarcity.