Emirates Denies Increasing Flight Service to Nigeria

Dubai-based mega airline carrier, Emirates Airline, has reacted to the criticism of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) against the federal government for allegedly approving additional flight for Emirates, and demanded for the renegotiation of Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).

Emirates in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday denied that it is operating additional frequency to Nigeria, insisting that its extra flight from Nigeria to Dubai, its operational hub, is for Hajj.

According to the airline, “We refer to the various news media articles on August 5, 2019, which reported that the Airline Operators of Nigeria has criticised the federal government’s approval of additional flights to Emirates Airline.

“Emirates would like to clarify that we have not increased scheduled flight services to Abuja or Lagos. We had only operated extra flights to Abuja and Lagos for a very limited period-for the sole purpose of serving Nigerian pilgrims traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj.”

The airline also stated that some “detractors like to claim that Emirates receives government subsidies and therefore represent unfair competition. But these allegations are patently false, and we have repeatedly debunked these myths over the years.

“Our audited financial reports for the past 20 years are published on our website for anyone to inspect. Emirates Airline has always been run on a commercial basis. In fact, our success is driven by the very fact that we must stand on our own feet-which means we must keep winning over customers with the best possible services-while closely watching our costs so that we can return a profit to our shareholder.”

It also noted that international carriers operating in Nigeria offer a greater choice for customers, and are also crucial to supporting Nigerian tourism and trade.

“Emirates first started operations to Lagos in 2004, and we have since remained committed to Nigeria. During this time, we have helped facilitate trade between Nigeria and other international markets, as well as provided travellers coming into or travelling from Nigeria the option of enjoying the award-winning Emirates experience.

“We look forward to continue serving our customers in Nigeria, and working with stakeholders to support the progressive development of tourism and trade,” the airline added.

AON had alleged that Emirates in the past used ‘aero-politics’ to squeeze Nigerian airlines out of Dubai through unfair competition, accusing the airline of charging outrageous fares and ensuring that Nigerian carriers do not successfully operate the route so that it could maintain exorbitant tickets that are exploitative to Nigerian travellers.