COVID-19: Ibom Air cuts capacity as another three domestic airlines suspend operation

Ibom Air says it has begun to operate at 64% of its schedule capacity.

The airline said this is in response to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has significantly reduced domestic passenger demand.

Meanwhile, Arik Air, Azman Air and Dana Air have announced intentions to suspend flight operations.

The three airlines said the decision was reached to support federal government efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Azman Air said operations would be suspended from Friday, March 27, to April 11.

Dana Air said flights had been suspended from Wednesday, March 25, and the suspension would last for two weeks.

Arik Air said it hopes to resume services “as soon as feasible”.

Aero Contractors and Air Peace had initially announced that they would be suspending operations to mitigate the spread of the virus.

According to Adebanji Ola, Arik Air communications officer, customers would be able to use their tickets when the airline resumes operation at no extra cost.

“The safety and well-being of our valued customers are paramount at this period of a health emergency,” Roy Ilegbodu, Arik Air CEO, was quoted as saying.

“We implore everyone to keep safe and abide by all directives issued by governmental authorities.

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this suspension may have caused our customers.”

The CEO said his airline would be available to support government emergency, humanitarian and charter flight requests during the period their operations are suspended.

Aero Contractors has also offered its aircraft, both fixed-wing and helicopters, to the federal government for airlift of relief materials, medical equipment and personnel in the fight against the #coronavirus pandemic.