Posted by By DENNIS MERNYI, Abuja on
At least seven airline operators in Nigeria have been barred from flying the country's air space. They also have their operational licenses withdrawn automatically for failing to meet the recapitalisation daedline by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA).
At least seven airline operators in Nigeria have been barred from flying the country's air space. They also have their operational licenses withdrawn automatically for failing to meet the recapitalisation daedline by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA).
The deadline which, was set by the NCAA early this year demanded the recapitalisation of all airline operators in the country. The capital base categorised into three has N500 million for local operators, N1 billion for continental operators and N2 billion for those flying international routes.
Aviation Minister, Femi Fani -Kayode at a press conference on Monday in Abuja named the affected airlines as ADC, Sosoliso Airline, Albalka Airline, Sky Power and Fresh Air. Others include Cool Airline and Dasab Airline.
Those airlines that made the deadline, according to the minister include Virgin Nigeria, Arik, Aero Contractor, Bellview Airline, Chanchangi Airline, IRS Airline, Dornier Airline and Associated Airline. Others are Allied Air, Over land Airways Ltd, Nicon Airways and Airmid West Airline.
Those airlines, who could not meet the deadline, according to the minister have been barred from flying the Nigerian airways with their operational licenses withdrawn from today.
'We have cross checked at the Corporate Affairs Commission, (CAC), and confirm that some airline operators have no evidence of payment of their fees. But others managed to make it at least before today. 'For those that could not make it, it means that as from today they will not be allowed to fly Nigerian air space by whatever means unless they satisfy the criteria by the NCAA.
The minister, however, explained that for the affected airlines to resume operations in the Nigerian airways, 'they have to apply afresh to the NCAA for granting of licenses or merge with others if they cannot afford it individually."