The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has informed airlines of the withdrawal of its services to Osubi Airport, Warri, Gombe Airport and Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) over alleged indebtedness.
The general manager for corporate communications of FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu, said the agency had given notices to the operators of the airports and affected state governments before the decision was reached.
It is understood that the notice is effective from midnight Sunday, December 9.
“We gave them one month notice to pay up their debts; we even advertised in newspapers informing them about the debts but they failed to comply. So, we are withdrawing security and fire service from the airports, without which planes cannot operate,” she said.
Confirming the incident, Adebanjo Ola, Arik Air’s communications manager, said the airline has suspended flights to Gombe and Warri airports.
“In a Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Dec. 8, FAAN stated that it will be withdrawing Aviation Security, firefighting and rescue operations from Osubi, Gombe and MMA2 from midnight of Dec. 9.
“Consequently, Arik Air will be suspending its flights to Osubi Airport, Gombe Airport and move Port Harcourt flights out of MMA2 from December 10, until further notice,” Mr Ola said.
He advised Warri passengers to use Benin Airport as an alternative while Gombe passengers are to use Bauchi airport.
“All Arik Air flights to Port Harcourt Airport, Omagwa, will as from the same date operate from Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal One otherwise known as General Aviation Terminal (GAT).
“Arik Air regrets any inconvenience the closure of the three airports may cause its esteemed customers.
“The airline hopes the issue between FAAN and the airport authorities will be resolved soonest,” he said.
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