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Kano pilot flies first Emirates plane into Nigeria after two-year hiatus

Emirates Airlines returned to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday after a two-year absence, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria's aviation sector.

Notably, the flight was piloted by Mohammed Madugu, a Nigerian-born pilot, emphasizing both the airline's comeback and the accomplishments of local talent in the industry.

Madugu posted a video of his landing at MMIA on Tuesday, expressing his excitement with the caption: "A great plane spotter got my landing into Lagos today. I landed off an RNAV approach today because the ILS was being tested. Watching this video, you'll realize how much work the Emirates training department puts into their pilots. Alhamdulillah."

He stated that it was an honor to fly the inaugural return flight to Lagos, emphasizing the importance of the occasion for both himself and the aviation industry.

"Today is a very special day for me as I have the honor of operating our inaugural return flight to Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬 @LOSairport. Today, I'll be flying both the Emirates and Nigerian flags high 🇦🇪 🇳🇬! Thank you! Emirates Today's flight time was slightly more than eight hours. #EkoOniBaje," he wrote.

Madugu made headlines in 2016 as the youngest captain in Nigeria's airline industry, working for Azman Airline. His early achievements highlight his impressive career path in aviation.

Madugu was born on September 21, 1996, in Kano, and is the son of Alhaji Sani Madugu. His background and accomplishments demonstrate a strong connection to his roots in Nigeria.

In a 2016 interview with Daily Trust, Madugu revealed that his passion for flying began when he was six or seven years old and had the opportunity to explore an aircraft cockpit. This early exposure, he said, fueled his desire to become a pilot.

"It all began a long time ago." When I was six or seven years old, we flew to Kano for Sallah, as we always do. We arrived in Kano, and my father took me to the aircraft's cockpit. I believe he knew the pilot or something, and I was amazed to see the cockpit, which is all I remember. But that day, getting into the cockpit completely blew my mind."

Emirates had previously operated flights to Lagos and Abuja until September 30, 2022, when it ceased operations due to difficulties in repatriating over $80 million in trapped funds.

Emirates Airlines resumed passenger flights to Nigeria on Monday, its first from the UAE since 2022.

This return marks the end of a two-year hiatus caused by concerns about trapped funds in Nigeria.

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