In a bid to respond to the yearnings of Nigerian travellers, the Federal Government has lifted a ban that was earlier placed on Emirates Airline from flying into Nigeria.
The Minister of Aviator Senator Hadi Sirika made the announcement in Abuja while briefing journalists.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, Dr James Odaudu,
According to the statement, the decision came after painstaking negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Emirates Airlines home country.
The Minister further stated that UAE has also removed all travel restrictions on Nigeria.
“Today we received communication from UAE removing some of the conditions of travel of which we had concerns about. Haven done so, we feel we should lift the ban on the suspension of Emirates Airline” he said.
He said “from today, all the impediments on Emirates has been lifted and that the airline can now operate in Nigeria”.
Sirika expressed his appreciation for the understanding shown by Nigerians despite the obvious hardships experienced as a result of the spat between the two countries.
He however disclosed that the lifting of the ban was without conditions.
It could be recalled that the Federal Government had previously barred Emirates from flying into Nigeria over discriminatory policies on Nigerians as regards to COVID-19 protocols by the UAE.