Passengers were stranded Tuesday when the biggest
private airline in Nigeria-Arik Air disrupted its operations due to aircraft
insurance renewal.
Our correspondent gathered that
all the airlines’ scheduled flights were cancelled, prompting its customers to
seek alternative flights.
Ola Adebanji, communication manager for the
airline however said that the disruption
was temporary, pending approval of aircraft documentation related to insurance
renewal.
While confirming the
disruption, Ola explained that all flights scheduled for September 13 have been cancelled,
assuring that authorities of Arik Air could get 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 the National Insurance
Commission (NAICOM) approves a waiver on a priority basis for the new insurance
company to renew the policy.
“All customers are
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.
“Where flights have been
cancelled, the airline will notify passengers through text messages and in such
cases passengers will be accommodated on first available alternative flight as
soon as normal flight operations resume.’’
Adebanji gave an assurance to
members of the public that the airline was fully committed to returning to its
normal operations and apologized for the inconvenience caused its passengers.
Passengers are also advised to
check with the airline regarding the status of their flights before proceeding
to the airport, a statement by the airline added.
“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.
“The Group CEO has apologized
and appealed (on behalf of the airline) for the understanding of passengers
while it works diligently to resume normal operations at the earliest.”
Arik Airline is the third
airline to suspend operations. Debt plagued Aero
Contractors announced suspension of services first, followed by First
Nation Airline. The latter however promised to resume operations on
Thursday, 15 September.
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