Arik Air Grounded over N1.2b Debt Owned FAAN

The Association of Air Transport Association of Nigeria (ATTSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employers (NUATE), have grounded the Arik Airlines scheduled flight operations from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, to other parts of the country. This is as a result of the N1.2 billion debt owed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by the airline.

 

As at the time of filing this report, the airline’s 13 scheduled flights to different parts of the country were automatically cancelled with hundreds of passengers going through excruciating time trying to take alternative airlines to their destinations, Thisday reports.

While speaking on the phone from Lagos, FAAN’s Managing Director, Mr. Saleh Dunima, said efforts were however being made in Abuja with the two unions to resolve the crisis.
 

He said: "Right now, Arik is discussing with the management of Abuja airport, as soon as they sort that out, they will resume flight operations."

Asked to speak on the profile of the indebtedness, he refused to make its disclosure, explaining  that the amount being owed is not supposed to be in public domain.

Speaking on anonymity, an authority hinted that the Arik air had also failed to remit the passengers service charge of N1,000, the amount which is due to FAAN also runs into millions.

The source disclosed that what Arik is owing FAAN from landing and parking fees is N1.2 billion, which is separate from the PSC.

He said Arik could only be  allowed to commence flight operations if they can pay a substantial percentage of the amount before the close of work yesterday.

Also speaking, FAAN’s spokesperson in Abuja, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, while corroborating our source, said it was the unions that did not allow Arik staff to process flight papers for passengers.

According to her, they are owing FAAN about N1 billion, and so ATTSAN and NUATE decided to come in. She said FAAN had tried all they could without success and it was therefore the last resort for the unions to get the money out. She said: "The two unions are doing this without even informing FAAN management. We all came here this morning to find out that staffers of the airline were not allowed into the terminal and offices to work."