Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria's biggest airline has resumed flights that stranded thousands of passengers across West Africa, saying it has resolved an insurance issue.
Nigeria's aviation industry is in crisis amid a recession and increased aviation fuel prices. It has lost its position as West Africa's airline hub, to neighboring Ghana.
Arik Air, which flies between 100 and 130 flights daily, canceled service Tuesday and Wednesday morning before resuming.
Arik spokesman Adebanji Ola blamed delayed paperwork renewing an insurance policy. He denied reports that the airline owes millions of dollars for aviation fuel.
Nigerians have suffered frequent flight delays and cancellations blamed on shortages of aviation fuel, which has doubled in price this year.
Two international airlines have stopped flying to Nigeria, and others are using smaller planes.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
