Airline giant, Emirates Airlines is allegedly contemplating suspending services in its Lagos-Dubai flight route due to low demand, with reports suggesting that the UAE’s restrictive visa policies for Nigerian travelers is another primary reason for this decision.
The Emirates airline revealed that it flies almost empty most times
Recall that Emirates Airlines had previously halted is services in Nigeria however, the Nigerian government came to a mutual agreement with the UAE government allowing Emirates Airline to resume its operations and services in Nigeria.
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Analysts in the industry suggest that the UAE visa restrictions are hindering many Nigerians, who were once regular passengers on Emirates flights.
Also recall that shortly after Emirates Airlines resumed operations in Nigeria, the UAE government authorities disclosed new visa policies, enforcing stringent conditions on Nigerian passport holders. This followed barely a day after it lifted its initial two year ban on Nigerians.
The UAE had stated that Nigerians who intend to travel must make a N640,000 non-refundable payment as application fees for visas meanwhile the application fee was pegged at N155,500 which was estimated at about at $100, before the new policy.
In addition to the new non-refundable visa application fee, the country also enforced new visa requirements applicable to Nigerians intending to visit the UAE, stating that applicants must obtain a Document Verification Number (DVN) before applying.
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Analyst reports and predictions claim that these restrictions contributed to inability for Nigerians to travel to the UAE subsequently causing Emirates Airlines leaving UAE with little or no Nigerian passengers as opposed to when flights were overbooked.
Travel consultant and CEO, Goodwinds Travel and Tours, Henry Eyo said “What is happening to Emirates is the bad policy of its government against Nigerian passport holders. The new visa conditions imposed on travelers from Nigeria are affecting the airline’s revenue from Nigeria. “I will not be surprised if the airline withdraws its services again due to passenger scarcity,”
Other speculations for this decision are that Emirates Airlines may be battling with competition as Air Peace may also begin flying UAE routes.
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