The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has said it is withdrawing its services to Osubi Airport, Warri, Gombe Airport and Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, MMA2, over alleged indebtedness.
It has also notified airlines of the decision.
This was confirmed by Arik Air’s Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday.
He said: “In a Notice To Airmen, NOTAM, issued on Dec. 8, FAAN stated that it will be withdrawing Aviation Security, fire fighting 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 Dec. 10, until further notice.”
Ola advised Warri passengers to use Benin Airport as alternate while Gombe passengers should use Bauchi Airport inthe alternative.
“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.
READ ALSO: Breaking: Fire Outbreak at Murtala Mohammed airport, MM 1, Lagos
“The airline hopes the issue between FAAN and the airport authorities will be resolved soonest,” Ola further said.
FAAN claims that MM2, owned by Dr. Wale Babalakin and operated by BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited, is owing it N3.9 billion since it commenced operations on September 8, 2007.
The money according to it was for the provision of electricity, rent and conference and hotel and the five per cent remittance as agreed in the contract.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BASL, in November, FAAN had given the breakdown of the indebtedness as at July 31, 2018 as N1.4 billion for provision of Aviation Security (AVSEC), another N143 million for Fire/Safety Cost, N2.1million for marshalling and N1.9billion for management cost.
