Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has opposed the start of Nigeria Air before May 29, following a court order. A spokesperson for AON, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, made this known on Thursday, criticizing the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, for his comments that Nigeria Air’s plane would land in the country to commence operation on Friday, before May 29.
AON had filed a lawsuit challenging the shareholding structure of Nigeria Air. Okonkwo said that Nigeria Air with a majority stake belonging to Ethiopian Airlines would harm the Nigerian economy and destroy millions of existing jobs. He noted that the comments and actions of the Minister are in disobedience of the orders of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, which halted the move until the determination of the substantive suit brought by AON against it.
The Nigerian government had launched Nigeria Air in July 2018 as a proposed national carrier, but there have been several failed deadlines for its commencement.
