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Nigeria suspends Emirates over COVID-19 violations

The presidential task force also said Emirates would be fined over the alleged violations.

• February 5, 2021
Fly Emirate plane used to illustrate the story. [PHOTO CREDIT: Emirate Web Page]
Fly Emirate plane used to illustrate the story. [PHOTO CREDIT: Emirate Web Page]

The Nigerian government has suspended flying permission of Emirates from the country, a circular from airspace regulator NCAA said on Friday.

The NCAA said the Emirati carrier has been airlifting Nigerians from Lagos and Abuja based on a rapid antigen test that was being conducted by unauthorised laboratories. 

The NCAA said the presidential task force on curbing coronavirus raised concerns about Emirates’ controversial practices, but the airlines failed to yield in time to avoid suspension of its right to fly. The suspension would be for 72 hours in the first instance, starting late Thursday.

The presidential task force also said Emirates would be fined over the alleged violations.

A spokesman for Emirates did not immediately return a request seeking comments from Peoples Gazette. 

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