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Nigerian airline, Arik Air, has reportedly shut down operations across the country, leaving its passengers who had already booked for flights stranded.
Reports said none of the airline’s aircraft has operated since the day began.
SaharaReporters reports that the massive debts of the airline to major oil marketers who regularly supply aviation fuel is partially responsible for the current situation of the airline.
A source was quoted as saying that in addition to the airline’s inability to buy for fuel, its insurers in Europe and elsewhere had withdrawn insurance cover from the airline forcing the airline to stop flight operations altogether.
Another source said the airline owes at least N3 billion to all its suppliers, a situation, which has made them not to supply Jet A1 to the airline.
A passenger with the airline, Chris Amokwu told the online medium that he had been at the airport as early as 7:00 for a 7:30 am flight to Abuja, but as at 1 pm, he was yet to know if he would eventually make the trip to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to him, the airline attributed its inability to operate to the scarcity of Jet A1 and poor weather condition.
The airline is however yet to release a statement.
Within the last one month, two other airlines – Aero Contractors and First Nation – have shut down.