The Nigerian Federal Government has impounded an aircraft owned by a British company for operating commercial flights into Nigeria without approval.
The Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika made this known via his Twitter handle,@hadisirika on Sunday.
Mr Hadi Sirika, said that Flair Aviation, was authorised to conduct humanitarian flights into Nigeria but was caught operating commercial flights without approval.
He explained that in addition to the confiscated aircraft, a maximum penalty would be imposed on the company for the contravention of FG’s ban on commercial flights as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.
“COVID-19. Flair Aviation, a UK company, was given approval for humanitarian operations but regrettably, we caught them conducting commercial flights. This is callous! The craft is impounded, the crew being interrogated. There shall be maximum penalty. Wrong time to try our resolve.”
Nigeria had shut its airports and airspace in March. According to a directive by President Muhammadu Buhari, the move was part of efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
The government placed a ban on commercial flight operations, both for local and international routes. The directive, however, allowed the operation of essential flights including those for medical and evacuation purposes.
These operations are being monitored by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other relevant agencies.
