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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commented on the suspension of Arik Air, while denying that the operations of the airline were fully suspended.
It would be recalled that it was widely reported that Arik Air operational licence was already suspended.
“Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) refers to the grounding of three (3) Arik Air aircraft following a court order/Attachment.”
“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 read in part.
It was also stated that the NCAA was duty bound to comply with court orders to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
“The NCAA is duty-bound to comply with the court order attaching Arik Air's aircraft (5NMJF; 5NMJQ; 5NBKX) following the determination of its case at the Supreme Court and to ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards.”
“The NCAA reiterates that it has not suspended or halted Arik Air's flight operations, which continue as scheduled and do not affect the airline's ability to operate its remaining fleet.”
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, it would be recalled, had confirmed that Arik Air’s fleet was grounded due to the airline's $2.5 million debt and in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling.
A statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NAMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, said that NAMA and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development were informed of the court’s decision.
The statement revealed that Arik Air owed Atlas Petroleum International Ltd., leading to the attachment of its aircraft. On July 19, 2024, the enforcement department of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court acted on the court’s order concerning the $2.5million debt.
The Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air (currently in receivership), Roy Ilegbodu, had criticised the aviation minister, Festus Keyamo’s abrupt decision to ground the airline operation indefinitely over its $2.5 million debt.
Ilegbodu condemned the Ministry of Aviation’s decision, describing it as "disastrous" and "unjust" and argued that it undermined ongoing judicial processes and favours private interests over the public good.
Ilegbodu in a statement where he reacted to the grounding of Arik Air fleet operation on Tuesday by the aviation ministry, expressed profound disappointment and frustration with the minister’s decision, which he claimed was made without prior warning or consultation.
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