Nigerian airline, Arik Air, has resumed flying after successfully resolution of a $2.5 million indebtedness to Atlas Petroleum.
The dispute had led to three of the airline’s aircraft being grounded by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) acting on a court order.
Making the resumption of flights public on Thursday, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA, said via his official X (formerly Twitter) that the resumption of the airline’s flight operations was facilitated by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo.
According to Achimugu, the duo successfully resolved the impasse between Arik Air and Atlas Petroleum.
He tweeted: “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, and the DG of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo has successfully resolved the impasse between Arik Air and Atlas Petroleum.
“By this resolution, Arik Air will begin operations today.
“The priority of the Minister and the NCAA remains to ensure safe and secure air travel for all passengers.
“Arik Air passengers are currently checking in for scheduled flights.”
CEO of Arik Air Ltd., Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, confirmed the development in a Thursday statement that the airline would resume flight operations on August 8.
Ilegbodu assured customers of a smooth return to service, highlighting that the entire Arik Air team had worked tirelessly during the brief pause to enhance the travel experience.
Problem broke out after Atlas Petroleum International Limited headed to court over Arik Air’s indebtedness to it in the sum of $2.5 million.
On July 19, 2024, the Abuja High Court enforced a court order that scheduled three of the airline’s aircraft—5N-MJF, 5N-MJQ, and 5N-BKX—for a public auction on July 26, 2024, should the debt remain unpaid.
Arik’s appeals to higher courts, including the Supreme Court, were dismissed.
Although Arik obtained an ex parte order to halt further execution, the aircraft remained grounded to comply with the Supreme Court’s directive and preserve the dispute’s subject matter.
Acting on the court orders, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) grounded three Arik Air planes.
