The federal government has reinstated Arik Air’s flight operations after a brief suspension.
News About Nigeria reports that a dispute between Atlas Petroleum and Arik Air led to the grounding of the airline’s planes on July 30.
However, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced on August 8 that the issue had been resolved.
According to NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the the NCAA’s Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo successfully mediated the conflict.
As a result, Arik Air has resumed its operations, with passengers checking in for scheduled flights.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, and the DG of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo has successfully resolved the impasse between Arik Air and Atlas Petroleum,” he said.
“By this resolution, Arik Air will begin operations today. The priority of the Minister and the NCAA remains to ensure safe and secure air travel for all passengers.
“Arik Air passengers are currently checking in for scheduled flights.”
On July 30, NAMA took action to suspend the operations of certain Arik Air aircraft in compliance with a federal high court directive.
The court’s ruling was related to an outstanding debt of $2.5 million owed by Arik Air to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd.
Arik Air’s CEO, Roy Ilegbodu, had earlier expressed surprise at the sudden decision to ground the airline’s planes, stating that it was done without prior notice or discussion.
The decision affected the operations of Chevron as the company could not get flights to drilling sites in the Niger Delta the following day.
