Six months after it stopped flying to Abuja, Nigeria, under controversial circumstances, there are indications that Emirates might be considering relaunching flight operations to the Nigerian capital city.

According to a report by Daily Trust, the Nigerian Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has opened discussions with Emirates Airlines to recommence service to Abuja.

As stated by the report, Emirates “showed positive sign they will comeback.” following the meeting between the Minister and the Vice President Aerpolitical and Industry Affairs of Emirates.

Emirates had in October last year suspended its service between Dubai and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, citing irregularities in the foreign exchange policy of Nigeria as the reason.

Before the suspension of Abuja service, Emirates operated the Dubai-Abuja service 4 times a week using a Boeing 777-300 aircraft. The last flight on that service was operated on 29 October, 2016.

After scaling down its Lagos service, Emirates now operates one daily flight between Dubai and Lagos using a Boeing 777-300ER.

With the reopening of the Abuja Airport on 19 April, there are high hopes among passengers and travel agents that Emirates will recommence service to Abuja. But will they? Only time will tell.