Arik to begin Lagos/Abuja-Bauchi flights

Arik Air says it will begin flights to Bauchi from Lagos and Abuja on May 9.

The commencement of Bauchi-bound flights will make the state the 20th domestic destination plied by the airline.

According to a statement released by the airline on Monday, there will be three weekly flights from Abuja to Bauchi.

“The airline will be operating three weekly flights from Abuja to Bauchi with connections to and from Lagos on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday,” the statement read.

Roy Ilegbodu, chief executive officer of Arik Air, said: “the inauguration of flight operations to Bauchi is borne out of the importance attached to Bauchi state as the ‘Pearl of Tourism’ in Nigeria and underscores the airline’s commitment to the growth of tourism in the country.”

“Arik Air has always been at the forefront of the development of aviation and tourism in Nigeria. We are committed to the opening up of the country to commerce and industry through air connectivity. Our plan is to connect all viable airports in Nigeria so as to expand the frontiers of commerce and grow the economy.”

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) placed the airline under receivership management in 2017. In a recent speech, an official of the corporation said it is willing handover the airline to its original owners if the debts are repaid.