Aviation
Emirates to cut flights to Lagos over trapped $85m revenue
Emirates Airlines has announced that it will cut its flight operations to Nigeria due to its inability to repatriate about $85 million trapped in the country.
The airline said this in a letter addressed to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, dated July 22, 2020, and signed by Sheik Majid Al Mualla, Emirates airline’s divisional senior vice-president (DSVP), international affairs.
The reduction in its operations in Nigeria, according to Emirates, will take effect from August 15, 2022.
It said the flights would be reduced from 11 per week to seven per week at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
It stated, “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 $85 million of funds awaiting repatriation from Nigeria. This figure has been rising by more than $10 million every month, as the ongoing operational costs of our 11 weekly flights to Lagos and 5 to Abuja continue to accumulate.”
Emirates also said the money was urgently needed to meet its operational costs and maintain the commercial viability of its services to Nigeria.
Part of the statement read, “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 Naira, 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.
“Your Excellency, this is not a decision we have taken lightly. Indeed, we have made every effort to work with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to find a solution to this issue. Our Senior Vice-President met with the Deputy Governor of the CBN in May and followed up on the meeting by letter to the Governor himself the following month, however no positive response was received.
“Meetings were also held with Emirates’ own bank in Nigeria and in collaboration with IATA to discuss improving FX allocation, but with limited success. Despite our considerable efforts, the situation continues to deteriorate. We are now in the unfortunate position of having to cut flights, to mitigate against further losses going forward.”
It also said, “We are confident that your valuable involvement would make a real difference in improving this very difficult situation. Should there be any positive development in the coming days, we will, of course, re-evaluate this decision,” it said.
Aviation
FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport
FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that an Enugu Air aircraft suffered a nose-landing gear malfunction while touching down at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, after a flight from Lagos.
According to Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the incident occurred around 19:10 hrs on Thursday as the aircraft, with registration number SN-BZN, completed its approach on Runway 08. The plane came to a stop on the runway and was unable to move moments after landing.
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FAAN said emergency response teams were “immediately mobilised” to secure the airfield and ensure the safety of all onboard.
“FAAN’s airport emergency resources, including fire tenders and medical standby, were deployed as standard procedure,” the statement said.
“All passengers and crew were safely disembarked and evacuated to the terminal using Apron buses. Evacuation concluded at 19:48 hrs, with no injuries recorded.”
The agency added that its Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) were already in position as the aircraft and airside were secured. FAAN reiterated that the safety of travellers, crew members and airport personnel remains its top priority, and said further information will be provided once investigations progress.
The incident places renewed scrutiny on Enugu Air, which was launched just four months ago by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport
Aviation
NCAA Moves to Prosecute VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof Over In-Flight Fight, Blacklisting Possible
NCAA Moves to Prosecute VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof Over In-Flight Fight, Blacklisting Possible
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that popular social media influencers VeryDarkMan (VDM) and Mr Jollof may face prosecution and possible jail terms following their physical altercation aboard United Nigeria Airlines Flight UN0523 at the Asaba International Airport in Delta State.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, confirmed the development in an exclusive interview with Vanguard.
According to Achimugu, the NCAA will recommend that the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police prosecute the two passengers, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) will be advised to place them on a temporary no-fly list.
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He stated:
“The airline is sending a report to the NCAA today. Once received, the relevant department will take necessary action. I have already spoken with our Director of Legal Services and advised that we write to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to prosecute the passengers.
“We will provide full details of the incident to aid prosecution. We will also advise AON to blacklist the passengers as a deterrent. If prosecuted, they may face jail terms and fines. The laws are clear.”
A viral video posted on Monday showed VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof exchanging blows inside the aircraft, prompting shock and panic among passengers.
United Nigeria Airlines later confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, stating that both men were immediately handed over to airport security.
The NCAA insists the case will be pursued to enforce discipline and ensure safety within the aviation sector.
NCAA Moves to Prosecute VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof Over In-Flight Fight, Blacklisting Possible
Aviation
NCAA to sanction VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight
NCAA to sanction VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced disciplinary action against social media influencer Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof) after the pair engaged in a physical fight aboard an Asaba–Lagos flight on Monday.
In a statement issued on X, the NCAA condemned the confrontation as “unacceptable behaviour” that endangered passengers, crew and the aircraft.
“There is zero tolerance for unruly conduct onboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full weight of the law,” the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection said.
The agency expressed disappointment that public figures with large followings were responsible for such misconduct, stressing that their actions violated aviation safety protocols.
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The NCAA confirmed that the airline involved is expected to submit an official report before legal sanctions are issued.
Eyewitnesses said the clash was fueled by an ongoing social media feud between VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof, which escalated into a physical altercation in the aircraft cabin. Passengers and crew intervened to restore order.
VDM later posted a video claiming he confronted Mr Jollof, saying:
“I don chop Jollof father for inside plane. He bit me—man wey dey bite.”
The NCAA said a full statement will be released after reviewing reports from the airline and cabin crew.
NCAA to sanction VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight
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