Emirates Airline To Reduce Operation Cost In Nigeria Over Trapped $85m

The Emirates Airline has disclosed that it will level down its operations cost in Nigeria starting from next month over funds that it is unable to repatriate.

According to report gathered, the airline disclosed this in a statement released, dated to be on the 22nd of July, 2022 and addressed to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika was added.

The Emirates stated that the planned reductions cost in its operations in Nigeria would reflect as from 15th of August, 2022.

It said, “We have had no choice but to take this action, to mitigate the continued losses Emirates is experiencing as a result of funds being blocked in Nigeria.

“As of July 2022, Emirates has US$ 85 million of funds awaiting repatriation from Nigeria. This figure has been rising by more than $US 10 million every month, as the ongoing operational costs of our 11 weekly flights to Lagos and 5 to Abuja continue to accumulate.

“We simply cannot continue to operate at the current level in the face of mounting losses, especially in the challenging post-COVID-19 climate.

“Emirates did try to stem the losses by proposing to pay for fuel in Nigeria in Nairas, which would have at least reduced one element of our ongoing costs, however, this request was denied by the supplier.

“This means that not only are Emirates’ revenues accumulating, we also have to send hard currency into Nigeria to sustain our own operation. Meanwhile, our revenues are out of reach, and not even earning credit interest.” The statement read partly