Hundreds of local passengers were stranded at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on Thursday as the country’s largest commercial carrier, Arik Air, decided to suspend its domestic flights after aviation unions disrupted activities at the airport.
The President, Air
Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Mr. Benjamin
Okewu, told journalists on Thursday that the unions decided to ground
the operations of Arik over alleged failure to pay service charges it
owed government agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of
Nigeria; Nigerian Airspace Management Agency; and the Nigerian Civil
Aviation Authority.
However, a statement by the airline quoted the Managing Director, Mr. Chris Ndulue, as denying the allegations.
The statement by the
airline read, “Due to persistent hostility of the Ministry of Aviation
and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which has culminated in
the use of FAAN staff to stop Arik Air operations and lock in checked-in
passengers in Lagos this morning, Arik Air has no option than to
suspend all domestic operations until further notice.
“This issue bears on
personal interests and not payment of bills; since FAAN has been
collecting its charges in advance since 18 months now. Arik Air regrets
the inconveniences this disruption by FAAN would cause our guests.
(Punch)
(Punch)
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