Emirates is providing complimentary 48-96 hour transit visas to Nigerian travelers who purchase tickets in November.
Having resumed its flight service to Nigeria just a month ago, Emirates has introduced this initiative to encourage passengers transiting through Dubai to other destinations.
In a message sent to potential travelers, Emirates announced, “We are pleased to offer 48 or 96 hour UAE visas to our passengers purchasing tickets during the month of November.”
This offer is specifically for passengers traveling on Emirates flights from Nigeria, aimed at boosting patronage after the airline lost a significant portion of its market share during its two-year hiatus.
Bankole Bernard, Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, remarked that the introduction of free transit visas is a strategy to attract more passengers to book Emirates tickets, especially since the airline has struggled to regain its clientele since resuming operations in Nigeria.
“They need to further relax the visa rules. People have moved on. Emirates is feeling the pressure, and they may continue to feel it if the UAE doesn’t ease its visa regulations,” Bernard noted. “They must reassess their comeback strategy to identify the best path forward. Emirates also needs to be more accommodating towards travel agencies.”
Other travel agencies echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that after two years, the Middle East carrier should expect a lukewarm response to its flight resumption, as many travelers have sought alternatives and adapted to new options.
“This promotion is an attempt to re-engage passengers and encourage them to consider Emirates again. Given their reputation for efficiency and quality service, they may gradually regain passengers from Nigeria, though it will take time,” said a travel agent.
“Perhaps they will see an uptick in bookings around the Christmas season and the upcoming Hajj. However, Nigeria still has a strong international passenger market, and Emirates will need to work hard to reclaim its prime position.”
