All domestic airlines in the country have resumed flights into the Abuja airport after its reopening yesterday by an Airbus350-900 belonging to Ethiopian airline.
The aircraft touched down after noon from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with passengers on board.
Arik Air says it will be operating daily flights between Abuja and Lagos. Other destinations to be connected from Abuja include Ilorin, Ibadan, Gombe, Yola, Sokoto, Port Harcourt and Accra (Ghana). Passengers are advised to buy their tickets on-line at www.arikair.com for cheaper fares or visit any Arik Air City/Airport Ticket Office or Travel Agent.
Commenting on the resumption of flights to Abuja, Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu said: “We are pleased that the Federal Government has fulfilled its promise to reopen Abuja Airport on schedule. This is highly commendable and airline operators can now operate safely to Abuja without any concerns about the state of the runway.
“We assure our Abuja bound passengers of the same high safety standard they have known the airline for over the years. Our pledge is to continue to improve on our on-time performance and team friendliness”.
In a related development, Arik Air has announced that it will resume scheduled flight operations to Maiduguri International Airport from Monday, May 1, 2017.
The airline will be operating daily flights to Maiduguri via Abuja Airport.
Similarly, Overland Airways, says in line with government reopening of the Abuja Airport, Overland Airways will commence flight services to and from Abuja Airport from Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
The Airline will operate flights from its key destinations including Ibadan, Ilorin, Jalingo, Akure and Asaba to the Abuja Airport. Overland Airways assures its customers and the general public of reliable, efficient and comfortable flight services to and from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Capt. Edward Boyo, Managing Director of Overland Airways, congratulates the Hon. Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and his team for keeping to the schedule for completion of repairs and reopening of the airport, and for making concerted efforts to guarantee security and reduce the inconveniences especially to passengers and service providers in the course of operating Abuja flight services through Kaduna Airport for the past six weeks.
“The sustenance of economic activities is topmost priority for both the private sector and government, and air transport as a key driver of economic activities has these past weeks proven its indispensability in supporting Nigeria’s economic activities and development. We thank our passengers for their patronage and assure you all of excellent services ahead from Overland Airways.
We salute government’s commitment which has largely ensured the successful movement of people and goods to Abuja through Kaduna International Airport these past weeks. Overland Airways is a dedicated partner in the current efforts to rebuild Nigeria’s economy. We also congratulate the Kaduna State government for being the resourceful host and supporting the achievement of successful flight operations. ”
“And that is why we have been available to support the swift, comfortable and seamless movement of our passengers during the relocation of Abuja flights to Kaduna. Our joy is in the realization that our customers have been able to carry on with their business and leisure activities through our dedicated flight services.”
Mrs. Aanu Benson, Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways, says: “Our priority is to get our passengers to their destinations in comfort and convenience irrespective of challenges in the operating environment.
“We appreciate our customers for their steadfast support over the past weeks and indeed over the 15 years of Overland Airways existence. We assure our customers of improved services and increased-value offerings. Overland Airways is the longest-serving, most consistent airline that has provided uninterrupted flight services in Nigeria over these past 15 years, with a passion for economic development.”
Overland Airways will, however, maintain flight operations to Kaduna International Airport to support economic activities in Kaduna State and its environs.
