Airline operators suspend flight operation at Lagos airport over curfew

Chinazor Megbolu |

Airline operators at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos have suspended flight operations due to the 24 -hour curfew imposed in the state by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday.

The airlines management said they have already notified passengers of the development regarding the cancellation of the scheduled flights.

In a tweet, @flyafricaworld by the African World Airlines (AWA), the operator urged the passengers to either rebook their flights or request a refund.

According to the AWA; “due to the 24-hour curfew imposed in Lagos from 1600hrs today, we have cancelled flights AW 222/AW223 on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, and AW 208 / AW 211 on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.

“Passengers are urged not to proceed to the airport for these flights and contact us for rebooking/refund.

The AWA stated in the tweet that Delta Airlines Flight 248 from ATL United States to LOS, Nigeria, and return Flight 249 from LOS to ATL were cancelled due to unrest and curfew in the country.

The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ms Henrietta Yakubu, disclosed that all airlines have to comply with the directive of the Lagos State Governor.

“The governor has imposed a 24- hour curfew. Any person or airline will have to respect the order from above,” Yakubu said when contacted for comments.

Recall the Governor on Tuesday imposed the curfew from 4pm on Tuesday following violence that broke out in various parts of the State as a result of the #EndSARS protests in Lagos.

Meanwhile, the Communication Manager, Arik Airlines, Mr. Adebanji Ola said the organisation has cancelled all its flight operations for Wednesday, October 21, 2020 as a result of the curfew by the Lagos State Government.

“All booked passengers on the cancelled flights are advised to reschedule their flights for later dates at no extra cost. The Lagos State government announced a 24 hours curfew effective 4:00pm October 20, 2020,” Ola said.