April 02, (THEWILL) – A new report from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has highlighted a significant improvement in Arik Air’s performance under the receivership of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
Despite operational challenges, the airline recorded 2,239,176 passengers in 2024 and operated 10,699 flights, making it the second most active airline in Nigeria after Air Peace.
According to the NCAA report, total domestic air traffic for 2024 stood at 11,549,443, with inbound passengers at 5,727,700 and outbound at 5,821,743. Arik Air accounted for 19.3% of total passenger traffic and 15.1% of the 70,543 flights operated by the country’s 15 domestic airlines during the year.
A breakdown of the report showed that Arik Air recorded 1,112,358 inbound and 1,126,818 outbound passengers. Its busiest months included July, which saw a total of 315,190 passengers, and November, with 508,026.
In terms of flight operations, Arik Air peaked in July with 1,403 flights, followed by November with 2,442 flights. The airline’s least active month was April, with 340 flights.
Notably, Arik Air recorded only 190 passenger complaints throughout the year, most of which were resolved.
The airline also had no cases of lost baggage, as all 84 delayed baggage items were eventually delivered to their owners. Furthermore, it recorded only one case of overbooking and denied boarding in its entire 10,699-flight operation.
Speaking on the airline’s performance, Olumide Ohunayo, General Secretary of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, described it as remarkable, given its challenges under AMCON receivership.
“Arik Air’s ability to move 2,239,176 passengers, capturing 13.4% of the domestic market, underscores its resilience. Despite financial constraints, litigation, and fleet limitations, the airline has maintained strong operational efficiency,” Ohunayo said.
Similarly, Roland Iyayi, Managing Director of Top Brass Aviation Limited, praised AMCON’s strategic support in keeping Arik Air competitive.
“Securing the second position in Nigeria’s domestic market ahead of airlines like Ibom Air (1.3 million passengers), Max Air (915,918), and Aero Contractors (964,900) is a huge achievement,” Iyayi noted.
He added that AMCON’s intervention has been crucial in stabilizing the airline, maintaining jobs, and ensuring continued passenger confidence in Arik Air’s operations.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
