The Federal Government has lifted the suspension on Arik Air’s operations, allowing the airline to resume flights.

Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), shared the news on social media Thursday. This development follows more than a week of grounded flights due to a dispute between Arik Air and Atlas Petroleum.

According to Achimugu, the conflict has been resolved through the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, and the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo. “The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, and the DG of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo have successfully resolved the impasse between Arik Air and Atlas Petroleum,” Achimugu stated. “By this resolution, Arik Air will begin operations today.”

He emphasized that the priority of both the Minister and the NCAA remains the safety and security of air travel for all passengers. Reports indicate that Arik Air passengers are currently checking in for their scheduled flights.

The suspension of Arik Air’s operations was initially enforced on July 30 by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), following a federal high court order. The grounding of some of the airline’s aircraft was related to a case involving a $2.5 million debt owed by Arik to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd.