Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified that it has not suspended the entire operations of Arik Air saying, only three of its aircraft are grounded in compliance with a Supreme Court order.
The regulatory authority insisted that the status of the airline as a scheduled flight operator remains unaffected since it can continue with its scheduled flight operations with the remaining aircraft in its fleet.
“In a statement, NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu said, ” NCAA reiterates that it has not suspended or halted Arik Air’s flight operations,which continue as scheduled and do not affect the airline’s ability to operate its remaining fleet.”
Achimugu added that NCAA’s action, the grounding the three aircraft (5NMJF; 5NMJQ; 5NBKX) was in compliance with a Supreme Court order which it is bound to obey.
“The NCAA is duty-bound to comply with the court order attaching Arik Air’s aircraft (5NMJF; 5NMJQ; 5NBKX following the determination of its case at the Supreme Court and to ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards,” he stated.
Achimugu added that the clarification was necessary to remove the impression created in some quarters that the entire operations of the airline has been suspended by NCAA or Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
“It is important to clarify that the action does not include the suspension of Arik Air’s overall operations by either the NCAA or the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development as claimed in some quarters,” he said.
The NCAA’s image maker therefore appreciated the public’s understanding and patience as Arik Air works through this situation with minimal disruption.
