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Nigeria impounds British aircraft for operating commercial flights
The Nigerian government has impounded an aircraft owned by a British company for operating commercial flights into Nigeria without approval.
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said the airline was given approval for humanitarian operations but instead the airline embarked on commercial flights.
Although he did not specify the size of the aircraft that engaged in this act, he described it as a callous action.
“Flair Aviation, a UK company, was given approval for humanitarian operations but regrettably we caught them conducting commercial flights,” he said in a tweet.
He added that, “This is callous! The craft is impounded, crew being interrogated. There shall be maximum penalty. Wrong time to try our resolve!
On 6 May, the Nigerian government reiterated that commercial flights locally and internationally remains banned as it battles to contain the coronavirus spread.
Boss Mustapha, chairman of the Presidential Task Force said operation of essential flights including those for medical and evacuation purposes were subject to the authorisation of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and agencies under it.
