BEVERLY HILLS, April 20, (THEWILL) – Several unions operating in the nation’s aviation sector on Wednesday morning disrupted the operations of Arik Air over an alleged N12.4bn debt the indigenous carrier owed the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN.
As early as 6:30 am, placards-carrying unionists grounded the operations of the airline noting that they resorted to blocking the airline from operating this morning after years of negotiating with the airline over the debt failed to yield any result.
Scores of passengers were left stranded at the General Aviation Terminal, GAT, of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Arik Air’s operational base in Lagos. While some of them were seen demanding a refund from the airline staff, others were making alternative arrangements.
According to a travel news website, the Nigerian Travel Flight Deck, inscriptions on the placards wielded by the unionists read: “Arik Pay Your 12.4bn Debt”, “FAAN can no longer pay salaries, pension, staff claims due to your debt.” “Debtors pay all you owe FAAN now.” “Arik if you can’t pay don’t fly”, “Arik pay your debt 12.4bn is too much.”
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, Olayinka Abioye, explained that “We are engaged in picketing exercise against Arik Air over its indebtedness to FAAN in the sum of N12.5b.”
