Arik Air will be suspending operations into Monrovia (Liberia) and Freetown (Sierra Leone) effective from today, July 28, 2014.
This followed the first Ebola virus death officially confirmed in Lagos, and involving a Liberian national who flew on a foreign, non-Nigerian, regional based airline from Monrovia via Lome (Togo) into the city last week.
According to the airline, the suspension will be in force until further notice.
Banji Ola, Arik Air’ spokesperson, said in a statement at the weekend, that the decision is a pre-cautionary measure aimed at safeguarding the precious lives of Nigerians.
The statement reads: “Arik Air is taking this important step as a concerned corporate citizen bearing the interest of Nigerians at heart. We acknowledge the steps that the Federal Government of Nigeria is currently undertaking to prevent the spread of the deadly Ebola virus; however, we feel especially compelled to take the business decision to immediately suspend flight services into the two Ebola affected countries due to our interest in the well being of Nigerians.
“At the early stages of the contagion's development across West Africa, the Gambian Government took the proactive decision to stop airlines (including Arik Air) from bringing inbound passengers from Monrovia, Conakry (Guinea) and Freetown into Banjul.
“Hence, in line with the actions taken by the Gambian Government, we trust (and are confident) that the Federal Government of Nigeria shall take all steps necessary to control and curtail the spread of the virus.
“We humbly suggest that as a first step, all inbound flights into Nigeria which originate from any of the Ebola affected countries, be immediately suspended.
“At Arik Air, our core vision and purpose is, ‘to provide world-class experiences and services which are safe, reliable and continually contribute towards both improved user quality of life as well as the elevation of Nigeria's global standing’."
Ola added that the airline motivated by this guiding principle, assures it guests and indeed all Nigerians that their continued safety shall always be at the forefront of all business decisions taken by Arik Air.
