Nigerian aviation authorities have grounded Arik Air’s aircraft following a court order related to a $2.5 million debt owed to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) confirmed the move on Tuesday, citing enforcement by the FCT High Court.
NAMA stated, “On July 19, 2024, the enforcement department of the FCT High Court executed an order attaching Arik Air’s aircraft due to a $2.5 million debt owed to Atlas Petroleum. Arik was notified of a public auction scheduled for July 26, 2024, if the debt remained unpaid. Notices were served to our agency and the Minister of Aviation.”
The dispute dates back to March 8, 2016, when the Lagos State High Court ruled against Arik Air. The airline appealed the decision, but the Court of Appeal dismissed it on September 30, 2021. Arik then sought leave to appeal from the Supreme Court, which was denied on January 9, 2024.
Following this, the judgment was registered in the FCT High Court, and on June 26, 2024, Justice O. A. Adeniyi ordered the attachment of Arik Air’s movable properties, including aircraft with registrations B737-700/5N-MJF, B737-800/5N-MJQ, DASH8-Q400, and 5N-BKX, to satisfy the debt.
NAMA added, “Although Arik has obtained an ex parte order to halt further execution, we have not been formally served. To preserve the aircraft, which are the subject of the dispute, we are grounding them to prevent removal from the court’s jurisdiction.”
The Minister of Aviation, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is aware of the Supreme Court’s order and its implications, emphasizing compliance to avoid legal repercussions.
Authorities urge both parties to resolve the matter promptly to allow the affected Arik Air aircraft to resume operations.”
