The Federal Government on Thursday withdrew its approval for Emirates Airlines winter schedule, cutting down the carrier’s daily flights to Abuja to just once a week.
It disclosed this in a letter dated December 9, 2021, issued to the Country Manager, Emirates Airlines Nigeria, Victoria Island, Lagos, and signed by the Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Musa Nuhu.
The letter with reference NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/329 and titled ‘Withdrawal of Ministerial Approval of Emirates Airlines Winter Schedule’, advised the airline to abide by the new directive.
It read in part, “I wish to inform you of the withdrawal of the approval granted to Emirates Airlines Winter Schedule. This approval was conveyed via a letter with reference number FMA/ATMD/501/C.104/XV/536 dated December 1, 2021.
“This withdrawal becomes effective on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 2300h. Please kindly note, henceforth, Emirates Airlines is granted approval to operate only one weekly passenger frequency to Abuja on Thursdays.
“Please be guided accordingly. Do accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
The letter was copied to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and the Director-General, General Authority of Civil Aviation, United Arab Emirates.
The Federal Government about a week lifted the ban on Emirates Airlines flights to Nigeria after suspending the carrier from operating into Nigeria for several months earlier, due to concerns over the United Arab Emirates carrier’s requirements in the management of COVID-19.
