"Important to Clarify": NCAA Speaks on Arik Air’s Flight Operations Despite Aircraft Grounding
- The NCAA has assured customers that Arik Air’s flight operations have not been suspended despite a court order.
- The statement updates the prior announcement by NAMA, which declared the grounding of three of the airline's aircraft
- The aviation authority clarified that not all of Arik Air's operations have been suspended as claimed in some quarters
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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed that Arik Air’s flight operations continue without suspension.
On June 30, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) announced that it had temporarily halted certain Arik Air aircraft due to a $2.5 million debt issue.
Source: UGC
This action followed a federal high court order related to a case in which Arik owes $2.5 million to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd.
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The airline reacted to NAMA's decision to suspend its aircraft as unjust, taken without prior notice or consultation.
Arik's operations continue
In a statement released on Friday, July 2, the NCAA clarified that while certain Arik Air aircraft have been grounded, this does not equate to a suspension of the airline’s entire operations, despite some reports suggesting otherwise.
According to TheCable, the statement was signed by Michael Achimugu, the NCAA director of public affairs and consumer protection.
Achimugu said:
“It is important to clarify that the action does not include the suspension of Arik Air’s overall operations by either the NCAA or the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development as claimed in some quarters."
The statement further explained that the NCAA is required to adhere to the court order requiring the attachment of specific Arik Air aircraft (5NMJF, 5NMJQ, 5NBKX) following the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The NCAA also stressed its commitment to upholding regulatory and safety standards.
It emphasised that Arik Air’s flight operations have not been suspended and continue as planned, with no impact on the airline’s capacity to use its remaining fleet.
The NCAA thanked the public for their patience and understanding as Arik Air manages the situation with minimal disruption.
Max Air suspends operations
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian airline Max Air announced the indefinite suspension of its domestic flight operations from Friday, August 2, 2024.
Max Air disclosed this in a statement, explaining that the decision to halt operations is due to the ongoing hunger protests in Nigeria.
The airline also promised continued support from its customer service through social media, email, and phone.
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Source: Legit.ng
