Arik Air’s Strong Performance in 2024 Bolsters AMCON’s Efforts, Records 2.2 Million Passengers, 10,699 Flights
Arik Air, under the receivership of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), recorded an impressive performance in 2024, airlifting a total of 2,239,176 passengers and operating 10,699 flights, according to a newly released report from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Despite the challenges associated with receivership, the airline emerged as the second most active domestic carrier in Nigeria, trailing only Air Peace in terms of passenger traffic and flight operations.
The NCAA report revealed that domestic air travel in Nigeria witnessed significant movement in 2024, with a total of 11,549,443 passengers.
This comprised 5,727,700 inbound and 5,821,743 outbound travellers. Arik Air accounted for 19.3% of this total, solidifying its strong market presence. The airline also contributed 15.1% of the total 70,543 flights operated by all 15 domestic carriers.
The Executive Summary on International and Domestic Flight Operations 2024, as compiled by the NCAA, detailed Arik Air’s inbound and outbound passenger traffic, recording 1,112,358 and 1,126,818, respectively.
Monthly data from the report showed varying passenger movements, with July recording the highest figure of 315,190 passengers, while December saw 119,890 passengers.
The report provided a month-by-month breakdown of Arik Air’s flights in 2024: January – 380 flights, February – 419 flights, March – 468 flights, April – 340 flights, May – 374 flights, June – 350 flights.
In July – 1,403 flights (highest for the year), August – 1,320 flights, September – 1,352 flights, October – 1,266 flights, November – 2,442 flights (second highest) and December – 585 flights.
Despite operational challenges, Arik Air remained a key player in the aviation sector, maintaining a reliable service record under AMCON’s management.
Arik Air demonstrated commendable efficiency in handling passenger complaints. Out of over 2.2 million passengers transported, only 190 complaints were recorded, with the majority resolved promptly.
Notably, the airline did not record any incidents of baggage loss throughout 2024, with all 84 reported cases of delayed baggage successfully returned to their owners.
Furthermore, Arik Air had only one case of overbooking/denied boarding out of 10,699 flights, which occurred in October.
Industry experts have lauded Arik Air’s resilience despite its challenges. Speaking on the airline’s performance, General Secretary of Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, Olumide Ohunayo, remarked:
“Arik Air’s performance in 2024 stands out as exceptional, given the constraints of receivership. The airline’s ability to move over 2.2 million passengers, securing a 13.4% market share, reflects strong operational stability and strategic management despite financial and regulatory challenges. Even with fleet limitations and ongoing litigations, Arik Air has continued to deliver dependable air travel services.”
Similarly, Roland Iyayi, Managing Director of Top Brass Aviation Limited, highlighted Arik Air’s achievements, stating:
“Arik Air’s ability to rank second in Nigeria’s domestic airline market, ahead of competitors like Ibom Air (1.3 million), Max Air (915,918), and Aero Contractors (964,900), is a remarkable feat, especially considering the disruptions it has faced under receivership. The role of AMCON in stabilising Arik Air should be acknowledged, as its intervention has preserved jobs and sustained economic contributions.”
AMCON’s strategic oversight has been pivotal in ensuring Arik Air remains a major player in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Despite being under receivership since 2017, the airline has demonstrated resilience and efficiency, ensuring safe and reliable services for Nigerian travellers.
Industry stakeholders agree that AMCON’s stewardship has played a crucial role in maintaining Arik Air’s operations, sustaining consumer confidence, and preserving a critical segment of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The airline’s performance in 2024 is seen as a testament to its strategic management, operational efficiency, and commitment to service excellence, even amid financial and regulatory hurdles.
