Posted at
17:08
To fly Arik Air often meant never getting off the ground.
Even by the standards of Nigerian airlines, Arik was a byword for utter dysfunction.
Passengers were so frustrated with delays and cancellations that the airline was forced to issue a plea for them not to attack staff.
Now the government has stepped in after the company wracked up enormous debts and left employees unpaid for months.
A new chief executive has been appointed to run the airline. The Nigerian aviation minister said he hoped the changes would revitalize the company’s ailing operations.
Arik is not the only airline struggling in Nigeria. Last year – Aero Contractors, the country’s second –biggest carrier, suspended operations for four months after experiencing economic difficulties.
In recent months - the country’s airlines were also hit by a series of fuel shortages that led to mass disruptions.