The House of Representatives (Reps) is scheduled to meet with aviation stakeholders, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to discuss Emirates Airlines’ suspension of flight operations to Nigeria from September 1, 2022.
The Herald recalls that Emirates Airlines had on Thursday announced that it would suspend its flight operations to Nigeria over its inability to repatriate earnings in foreign exchange to the tune of $85 million.
The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) released a statement via Twitter condemning the amount blocked by the Federal Government (FG).
IATA’s many warnings that failure to restore timely repatriation will hurt Nigeria with reduced air connectivity are proving true with the withdrawal of @emirates from the market.
— IATA (@IATA) August 18, 2022
“IATA is disappointed that the amount of airline money blocked from repatriation by the Nigerian government grew to $464 million in July.” the tweet reads.
Reps to hold meeting to resolve issue with Emirates
Yahaya Danzaria, clerk to the house of reps revealed that said the house is preparing to meet with relevant stakeholders involved to resolve the repatriation and Emirates suspension of flights.
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The clerk also said that the meeting with aviation stakeholders be scheduled to “find urgent solutions” to the issue.
“The honourable speaker, house of representatives, rt. hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the leadership of the house of representatives have been briefed on the disturbing notice of withdrawal of services recently issued by some international airline operators in the country,” the statement reads.
“He has, therefore, requested the chairman house committee on aviation (hon. Nnoli Nnaji) and house of representatives management to immediately set a date for a meeting with all stakeholders in the aviation sector and the executive arm of government to find urgent solutions to the issues in contention.”
Danzaria said the date for the meeting will be fixed and communicated to the invited stakeholders.
“The honourable speaker requests all parties in the matter, and specifically, Emirates airlines to suspend any action and await the outcome of the meeting,” he added.