Airlines exit Nigeria on slowing economy hit by dollar shortage

Lagos

INTERNATIONAL carriers may follow the example of United Airlines and Iberia and halt operations in Nigeria, or cut flights as they struggle to move revenue out of the country because the oil-price slump has depleted the West African nation's foreign exchange reserves.

Iberia suspended its route to Africa's biggest economy on May 12, followed by United, which informed employees that it would end flights from the US to Nigeria at the end of June because of a lack of demand and trouble collecting payments. British Airways and Emirates have said they are facing difficulties obtaining outstanding air fares.