The Federal Government has lifted the suspension on Arik Air, allowing its planes to resume flights.
The suspension, which lasted a week, was due to a dispute between Arik Air and Atlas Petroleum.
The director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, announced the news on Wednesday.
He said, “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, and the DG of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, have successfully resolved the impasse between Arik Air and Atlas Petroleum.”
Achimugu added, “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.”
The dispute led to the grounding of Arik Air’s fleet on June 30. The grounding was related to a debt of $2.5 million owed by Arik Air to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency explained that the suspension followed an enforcement order by the FCT High Court.
NAMA stated, “On the 19th day of July 2024, the enforcement department of the FCT High Court enforced an order made by the Court regarding a debt of $2.5 million owed by Arik Air to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd. by attaching their aircraft.”
The agency continued, “Arik was further given a notice of a public auction of the planes by the Court, which was slated for July 26, 2024, if they failed to pay the judgment debt.”
In response, Arik Air obtained an order stopping further execution of the court’s order, but the planes were grounded to comply with the Supreme Court’s directive.
The FAA said, “The parties to the dispute are encouraged to resolve their issues as quickly as possible so that the Arik aircraft in question can resume flight operations.”
With the suspension now lifted, Arik Air’s flights are back on schedule, bringing relief to passengers and the airline’s operations.
