Emirates Airlines has said that its recent increase in flight frequencies into Abuja is to meet its Hajj demands between July 27th and August 22nd.
Recall that on Sunday, 4th of August, 2019, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) in a statement lamented against the recent commencement by Emirates airline of an additional flight, now increasing its frequency to four flights daily into Nigeria on the eve of when a Nigerian Carrier began flights to UAE operated with 100 percent Nigerian pilots, cabin crew, engineers and dispatchers.
Nogie Meggison, the president of AON, stated that it is very unfair for Emirates to be allowed such increase barely two weeks after the launch of flights on July 5, 2019 to Sharjah, UAE by Air Peace, our very own Nigerian airline, adding that the move effectively places indigenous carriers at a massive disadvantage, the Nigerian economy and the jobs of our youths and huge capital flight.
However, in a statement sent by Emirates, it said, “Emirates would like to clarify that we have not increased scheduled flight services to Abuja or Lagos. We had only operated extra flights to Abuja and Lagos for a very limited period, for the sole purpose of serving Nigerian pilgrims traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
“Some detractors like to claim that Emirates receives government subsidies and therefore represent unfair competition. But these allegations are patently false, and we have repeatedly debunked these myths over the years. Our audited financial reports for the past 20 years are published on our website for anyone to inspect. Emirates has always been run on a commercial basis. In fact our success is driven by the very fact that we must stand on our own feet – which means we must keep winning over customers with the best possible services, while closely watching our costs so that we can return a profit to our shareholder.
“International carriers operating in Nigeria offer a greater choice for consumers, and are also crucial to supporting Nigerian tourism and trade. Emirates first started operations to Lagos in 2004, and we have since remained committed to Nigeria. During this time, we have helped facilitate trade between Nigeria and other international markets, and provided travellers coming into, or travelling from, Nigeria the option of enjoying the award-winning Emirates experience.”
IFEOMA OKEKE
