The Federal Government, Tuesday, grounded the fleet of Arik Air aircraft due to what industry sources described as litigation issues between the carrier and its creditors.
To starve off possible consequences of the action, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), announced on Tuesday that it is making efforts with other authorities to work out plans to rebook and transfer passengers billed to travel on Arik Air to other airlines.
In a statement by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiagelo Orah, the authority said said: “This is to inform the public that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is aware that Arik Airline has been grounded due to litigation issues between the airline and their creditors.
But, the Receiver Management of Arik Air, led by Captain Roy Ilegbodu, who is also the Chief Executive Officer expressed dismay with the Minister’s order grounding its fleet.
Captain Ilegbodu, said the Ministry of Aviation took the decision to ground Arik Air’s fleet without warning or consultation, a development he said has serious repercussions for its valued passengers, dedicated employees, and the broader Nigerian economy.
In a statement, Arik Air said the grounding of its fleet has left many passengers stranded , thereby inflating the already high cost of travel.
