The United Arabs Emirates (UAE) has extended the ban on Nigerian flights till March 20.

A statement, titled: “Update on flights to/from Nigeria to Dubai until March 20”, 2021, by an Emirates spokesperson in Lagos, said passengers from both Abuja and Lagos will not be accepted for travel prior to or including this date.

“In line with government directives, passenger services from Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) to Dubai are temporarily suspended until March 20, 2021.

“Customers from both Abuja and Lagos will not be accepted for travel prior to or including this date. Passengers who have been to or connected through Nigeria in the last 14 days are not allowed entry into the UAE (whether terminating in or connecting through Dubai),” the airline said.

It added that Emirates flights from Dubai to Lagos and Abuja will continue to operate as per the normal schedule.

“We regret the inconvenience caused and affected customers should contact their booking agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking.”

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had on February 5 barred the carrier from Nigeria, alleging flouting of COVID-19 protocols as well as the introduction of rapid antigen test as a requirement for Dubai travellers against the Nigerian government’s negative PCR requirements.

This has degenerated into a situation with the UAE banning Nigeria flights for several weeks on end.