Dubai International Airport welcomes the 113th airline "Virgin Nigeria"

On behalf of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, Mr Jamal Al Hai, Chairman DCA Executive Board and Director Strategy & Management Excellence received the VIP delegation on board the flight along with Mr Mohammad Ahli, Deputy Chairman Executive Board and Director Operations, DCA.

Speaking on behalf of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, Mr Mohammad Ahli said:

"I am pleased to be here for the inaugural virgin Nigeria flight into the region. Today we celebrate having the 113th airline operating through Dubai International Airport, this indeed shows the importance of this international hub. Dubai has a long-standing tradition of hospitality and courtesy and has established global recognition as the 'City of Business and Pleasure'. With the inauguration of this flight, we have opened yet another route to business and tourism development between two nations."

In line with its expansion plans, Virgin Nigeria, the country's private sector flag carrier begins direct flights to the Middle East with the commencement of direct flight operations to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The flight service, which is the airline's third international long haul route after London Gatwick and Johannesburg, began on Friday, June 2 with a direct flight leaving Lagos at 22.30 and arriving at Dubai International Airport at 09.20 this morning.

Announcing this in Lagos, Mr. Larry Agose, Head, Corporate Communications of Virgin Nigeria said: "Virgin Nigeria is delighted to announce the commencement of flight operations to Dubai, a city well known as a business and leisure destination and an important gateway to Asia.

The Dubai route will provide Virgin Nigeria an opportunity to offer its customers seamless transit travel options by connecting them on Cathay Pacific Airways to their final destinations in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan, among others".