Nigeria’s flag carrier airline, Arik Air, said it had alerted all air travellers of a temporary disruption to its operations, pending approval of aircraft documentation related to insurance renewal. The airline said that it was working round the clock to resolve the necessary documentation, which has been a challenge due to the long holidays.
The management of the airline said all flights of the airline had been cancelled for Tuesday, September 13, adding that the airline would be getting in touch with passengers to provide an update on rescheduling their flights. The Communications Manager of the airline, Mr. Ola Adebanji, said that the disruption was temporary, pending approval of aircraft documentation related to insurance renewal.
The airline said: “The situation is likely to continue for the next few days until such a 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 minimise 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 apologised and appealed (on behalf of the airline) for the understanding of passengers while it works diligently to resume normal operations at the earliest time.
Meanwhile, scores of passengers across the country and from New York, Johannesburg and London booked on Nigerian Arik Air were left stranded following the inability of the airline to airlift them to their destinations. Idowu Showunmi, who called New Telegraph from London, expressed his frustration, saying they were left stranded.
Many others called from Accra, New York and across West Africa, saying they had been at their various airports since 7a.m.with no flight in sight to take them to their destinations. Another passenger, who spoke from Abuja, expressed anger over the situation. Before the announcement yesterday, none of the airline’s aircraft operated to any destination.