British Airways To Stop Operations In Nigeria, Allows Customers To Pay For Travel Tickets In Dollars Only

According to reports, British Airways may discontinue its operations in Nigeria starting from December 1, 2022, due to the ongoing $464 million foreign airline fund crisis in the country.

According to reports, the airline has closed its inventory, making it impossible for travel agents to issue new tickets for their clients. Instead, people can only purchase tickets online in US dollars.

It’s believed that the decision was made to overturn the result of the withheld $464 million as foreign airlines want to take dramatic measures, such as suspending flights, to put pressure on the Nigerian government to release their funds.

Emirates Airlines had previously declared that it would stop operating flights to Nigeria starting from September 1, due to the UAE carrier’s approximately $85 million stuck in Nigeria.

The National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), confirmed the situation regarding British Airways.

Members of the association were instructed not to issue or pay for tickets beyond December following the new development and deadline British Airways provided to the Nigerian government.

The memo read, “The National Executive Council of NANTA just concluded a business meeting with BritishAirways and British Airways conveys assurance that it remains committed to servicing the needs of travel agencies in Nigeria.

“As members may be aware that British Airways closed inventory this morning, please be informed that, this inventory closure is a necessary action taken by British Airways to mitigate increase of their trapped funds.

“However, British Airways provides reassurance that it is still flying in and out of Nigeria and is currently seeking earnest solutions to address the demands of its customers.”

Additionally, it informed travel agencies that tickets could only be purchased on online using US dollars.

The second memo read, “The above message is the new development with regards to British airways. Tickets will be issued in USD henceforth and only online.

“They have also given the Nigerian government a deadline in December. By which time if payment isn’t made, they will stop all flights into and out of Nigeria.

“Please do not pay for or issue tickets beyond December. We will update you as soon as we receive any new developments.”