Domestic Airlines in Nigeria have decided to temporarily suspend all flights due to the growing coronavirus pandemic.
In different statements, Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero Contractor, Azman Air, Max Air and Dana Air announced the suspension of all flight operations.
The Max Air Transport Company said it will suspend its domestic flight from 27 March to 12 April for the safety of the general public and staff from being infected by coronavirus.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday by Max Air Executive Director, Mr Harish Manwani, the company expressed regret on any inconvenience.
“ Max Air Wishes to inform the general public that we are suspending our domestic flight from Friday 27 March, 2020.
“This has become imperative for the safety of the general public and the staff members as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world.
“Max air regret any inconveniences this will cause the general public. We hope to resume operations on the 12th April 2020, “Manwani said.
Aero Contractors was the first domestic airline that announced suspension of flights over coronavirus.
Aero Contractor in a statement said: “This is also in line with the decision of the Lagos State government, which has prohibited any gathering that is more than 20 persons.
“Coronavirus, known as COVID-19, is a global threat to our humanity and considering its devastating effect on many countries where it has led to death of thousands of people, we have decided to make this onerous sacrifice by suspending our flight operations for two weeks, effective midnight 26 March, 2020.
“After the two-week duration, we will review the progress made and take a decision on resumption of operations,”
Dana Air is halting all operations from the midnight of 25th March (today), for two weeks.
Read also: “In line with the precautionary measures by the Lagos State Government to stem the spread of the COVID-19, kindly note that all our flight operations will be suspended effective Wednesday, the 25th of March for two weeks,” the airline said.
Azman Air said that its operation would be suspended for two weeks from Friday.
It said:”The consensus was reached after a detailed consultation with stakeholders in the Nigerian aviation industry and in a bid to support the Federal Government efforts in curtailing the spread of Coronavirus and to ensure its eventual eradication.”
Also Arik Air announces that it would also suspend operations from Friday. However, the airline assured customers that they can still make use of their tickets when it resumes operation.