Arik Air has become the first Nigerian airline to offer a commercial service between Abuja, Nigeria and Dubai, The United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to a statement released by the airline, the first commercial flight on the new route was scheduled for Monday, 28th July and will subsequently operate five weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nigeria and return on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from Dubai.
Outbound flights will depart from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), Lagos at 1905 (local time) arriving at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), Abuja at 2020 (local time). The flight will then continue on to Dubai, departing Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), Abuja at 2150 (local time) finally arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Dubai Terminal 1 at 0720 (local time).
The inbound flight will depart Dubai at 1030 (local time) and arrives in Abuja at 1430 (local time). The flight continues on to Lagos, leaving Abuja at 1600 (local time) and arriving in Lagos at 1715 (local time).
Arik Air’s Global Chief Executive Officer, Dr Michael Arumemi-Ikhide stated;
“This is another exciting moment for us all at Arik Air, not only launching a new international destination, but becoming the first airline to link the capital Abuja to Dubai. The importance of Dubai as the Middle East’s commercial capital makes it imperative for Arik Air to connect the city with Lagos which is a Nigeria’s commercial capital.”