Emirates airlines and Kenya Airways have announced they are suspending flight operations to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja . While suspension of Emirate flights takes effect from October 22, 2016, that of Kenya Airlines would begin on November 15, 2016.
Emirates airlines has written to the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, of its decision, citing inability to access forex and make returns. On its part, the Kenya Airlways said the flight suspension was part of its restructuring plans to save further losses.
The letter was said to have been received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation on behalf of the Minister, Rotimi Amaechi.
The letter indicated that if the condition persists, Emirates airlines may have no other option than to also suspend its flight operations to Lagos; which would mean that the company has exited the Nigerian market.
A source quoted by Daily Trust Newspaper said: “Emirates has huge money in naira at the banks. It cannot repatriate its sales because it cannot buy dollars. This is having negative effect on their operations.”
Kenya Airways, on its part, said it was suspending flights to Abuja as a result of dwindling traffic from Abuja to Nairobi.
The company’s CEO, Mbuvi Ngunze, said in a statement that it will continue to operate its daily flight from Lagos to Nairobi.