Arik suspends international flights, to refund passengers

• Senate summons AMCON

By Odunewu Segun

The new management of Arik Airlines has announced the suspension of international flight operations to London and South Africa to focus on domestic and West African routes.

National Daily gathered that the decision was taken in other for the airline to find permanent situation confronting the airline.

In a statement issued by the airline, Arik stated that the decision was meant to realign its operations and refocus on satisfying its domestic and West Africa and other international passengers.

“It will also present Arik with excellent opportunity to engage and discuss with creditors who have become restive since the intervention and have also understandably exhausted their patience due to non-payment of accumulated debt and non-performance on services and contracts.”

It also stated that arrangements are being made to refund all passengers who had registered for the two affected international routes.

“The international route is very critical for the strategic turn around, growth strategy and stability of the airline. Therefore we intend to revisit the routes immediately we address all the problems inherited, which is affecting and creating more dissatisfied passenger base. We appeal to all passengers to kindly bear with us as the decision is to ensure that the airline adheres strictly to international aviation best practices.”

Meanwhile the Senate has summoned the management of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, over the Arik crisis

In a notice signed by the Clerk, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, N.P. Ikeokwu and pasted on the Senate Press Corps Notice Board, the management of AMCON would appear today to deliberate with the senators on the take-over of the airline.

The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions is chaired by Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, APC, Kwara South.

The notice read: “The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions is meeting with the   Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON. Room 324 to deliberate on the takeover of the Arik Airline by the Federal Government of Nigeria.”