By Gabriel Agbeja
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has denied reports that it has totally suspended or halted the operation of Arik Air over a recent Supreme Court judgment grounding three planes of the airline.
Mr Michael Achimugu, the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
He added that flight operations of the airline will continue as recent Supreme court order did not affect the airline’s ability to operate remaining fleet not impaired by the judgment.
According Achimugu, NCAA is duty-bound to comply with court order attaching Arik Air’s aircraft (5NMJF; 5NMJQ; 5NBKX) following determination of its case at the Supreme Court and to ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
“Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) refers to the grounding of three (3) Arik Air aircraft following a Court Order/Attachment.
“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.
“We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as Arik Air works through this situation with minimal disruption,” it said.
(NAN)
