COVID-19 forces Nigerian carriers to shut down operations

• Carriers fly almost empty planes

While they struggled , Nigerian domestic airlines operated in what looked like they were immuned to the pandemic sweeping across the globe.

With demand down, the carriers have had to take the losses on the nose, electing to fly near empty planes to their destinations — rather than cancelling the flight — in order to avoid losing their schedule. These are known as ghost flights.

Today, all Nigerian carriers were faced with the reality of  the effects Coronavirus as they announced suspension of their operations.

Arik Air, Dana, Azman, Aero Contractors, Ibom Air, Air Peace have all suspended their services for two weeks. The suspension could well be extended beyond two weeks if the spread of the pandemic continues.

Arik Air in a statement announced a temporarily suspension of all scheduled commercial flight operations effective 23:00hrs on Friday, March 27, 2020.

The management of the airline took this decision in order to mitigate the risk of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) to its valued customers and staff, and hopes to resume services as soon as feasible.

Customers who have confirmed tickets had been advised that they could still use their tickets when the airline resumes flight operations. Such tickets could also be modified at no extra charge.

The Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu stressed: “The safety and well-being of our valued customers is paramount at this period of health emergency. We implore everyone to keep safe and abide by all directives issued by governmental authorities.”

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this suspension may have caused our customers.”

Ilegbodu added that Arik Air would be available to support government emergency, humanitarian and charter flight requests during the period of suspension of air transport operation.

Aero Contractors says it is suspending fight operations for two weeks effective Thursday, March 26, 2020.

It noted that it was compelled to take the decision by the coronavirus pandemic current ravaging the country and the entire world.

The airline made this decision know through a memo issued by its Commercial Manager, Mr Rogers Cookey to the staff.

He, however, noted that the airline will operate scheduled flights as usual till midnight on Wednesday, March 25.

He said in the memo: “This is to inform you that the management has suspended all Aero flight operations for 14 days due to Covid-19 with effect from 26th March 2020.”

“In other words, Aero flights will operate up till midnight of 25th March 2020. This is to ensure the safety of our passengers and staff.”

“Please inform all concerned offices and officers.”

Dana, in a message sent to its customers said, “In line with the precautionary measures by the Lagos State to stem the spread of the COVID-19, kindly note that all our flight operations will be suspended effective Wednesday March 25^th, 2020 for two weeks”.

A man Air followed suit to ground its operations for two weeks starting from Friday March 27th to April 11th 2020.

The management of the airline in a statement said the consensus was reached after a detailed consultation with stakeholders in the Nigeria aviation industry and in a bid to support the Federal Government efforts in curtailing the spread of Corona Virus and to ensure its eventual eradication. 

In a statement by the Station Manager of Max Ltd, Bello Ramalan said, ‘Due to the global pandemic case of COVID-19, also known as Corona Virus currently affecting the country, I am directed to inform you that MAX Air Ltd has suspended its operations from March 28th to April 11th, 2020″.

Air Peace in a notice by the airline said its flight suspension would last for 23 days.

“Air Peace announces the suspension of all flight operations come Friday as part of concerted efforts being made to stop the spread of the pandemic; coronavirus,” the notice read.

“It is with a great sense of responsibility that we have decided, in the best interest of our nation, our passengers and workforce, to suspend scheduled flight operations for 23 days effective 23.00hrs on Friday (an hour before midnight on Friday) March 27, 2020, as a result of the COVlD-19 pandemic.

“This difficult decision was reached in order to support the efforts of the federal government and other stakeholders in curbing the spread of this virus in our nation, while also protecting our esteemed passengers and staff from becoming victims of the pandemic.”

Meanwhile, Ibom Air has said that with its planned cut down of capacity, it intends to accommodate all its already booked passengers on any of its affected flights.

The announcement made on the airline’s official twitter handle read,” Beginning from Wednesday March 25, 2020, Ibom Air will operate at only 64% of its schedule capacity, cutting out 36% of its flight.

“This is in response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly reduced domestic passenger demand. The airline commits to accommodate every passenger who is already booked on any flight affected by this schedule change on other Ibom Air flight of their choice.

“While looking forward, along with Nigerians, to the end of this pandemic and a return to our full capacity, Ibom Air promises to continue deliver its schedule reliably, on-time departures…”

Wole Shadare