Azman Air suspends operations amid crisis in aviation sector

Azman Air has suspended operation over the carrier’s inability to renew its Air Operators Certificate (AOC), Daily Trust gathered.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was said to have suspended Azman for failing to meet the requirements for AOC renewal.

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It was also learnt that the regulatory body had given it much time to renew the AOC, but failed despite issuing the airline another 30 days ultimatum to meet the requirements.

A source in the airline however said the required money had been paid and the issue maybe resolved today.

The source said the airline would provide details later in the day.

Daily Trust reports that the suspension comes a few weeks after the NCAA threatened to withdraw airlines’ licenses over indebtedness to the regulatory agency.

It was learnt that the NCAA had given the airline notice to pay the required fees to renew its licenses.

According to the NCAA, airlines are owing N42bn and $7.8million.

A source in the NCAA said the authority wielded the big stick when the airline failed to meet up with the financial requirement for the renewal of its licenses.

It was learnt that the airline had told some of its workers that it was suspending flights today due to “operational reasons.”

A spokesperson with the airline, Mr. Nura Aliyu, promised to provide details of the issue later in the day, even as he said everything is being done to address the issue.

Airlines have been struggling to cope with skyrocketing price of aviation fuel and other challenges.