A week after grounding Arik Air’s planes, the Federal Government has lifted the suspension on the airline’s operations. This decision marks a significant development for the airline and its passengers, who have been affected by the disruption.
The announcement was made by Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). He shared the update through a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday, providing some much-needed clarity on the situation.
According to Achimugu, the suspension was initially imposed due to a dispute between Atlas Petroleum and Arik Air. Fortunately, the conflict has now been resolved, allowing the airline to resume its operations.
“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 June 30, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directed the immediate suspension of Arik Air aircraft operations.
The minister did not state any reason for the decision to ground the airlines operations.
But the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) had explained that the move was a sequel to an order by the enforcement department of the FCT High Court, regarding a debt of $2.5m owed by Arik to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd.
