Passengers of Arik Airline across different airports in the country are stranded following the suspension of operations by the company.
The management of Arik Airline on Tuesday announced temporary suspension of its operations across the country.
A statement by the Airline’s spokesperson, Ola Adebanji, anchored the suspension of operations on the inability to conclude documentation relating to insurance renewal.
“Arik Air, West and Central Africa’s largest airline has alerted all air travellers of a temporary disruption to its operations, pending approval of aircraft documentation related to insurance renewal,” Adebanji stated.
The statement, which assures of quick resolution, stated further, “At the present time, all flights of the airline have been cancelled for Tuesday, 13 September 2016 and the airline has stated that it would be getting in touch with passengers to provide an update on rescheduling of their flights.
“This situation is likely to continue for the next few days until such time that NAICOM (National Insurance Commission) approves a waiver on a priority basis for the new insurance company to renew the policy.
“All customers are kindly advised to contact Arik Air’s Call Centre (01-2799999), Airport or City ticket offices or visit the airline’s Website (www.arikair.com) for further updates. Passengers are also advised to check with the airline regarding the status of their flights before proceeding to the airport.
“Arik Air’s Group CEO, Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, wishes to advise and assure the public, its customers, stakeholders and partners that we are fully committed to returning to our normal operations and minimize any unfortunate inconvenience to our passengers.
“Where flights have been cancelled, the airline will notify passengers through SMS and in such cases, passengers will be accommodated on first available alternative flight as soon as normal flight operations resume.
“The Group CEO has apologised and appealed (on behalf of the airline) for the understanding of passengers while it works diligently to resume normal operations at the earliest.”
Nigerian aviation has been in crisis of late as a result of economic recession coupled with unstable foreign exchange policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Recently, two local airlines- First Nation and Aero Contractors suspended their operations.
