Arik Air Increases Domestic Network

Nigeria’s Arik Air launched flights to the new Asaba International Airport this week, its 20th destination within the country. The airline is offering direct flights from both Abuja and Lagos with the first services taking place on August 29 using a 72-seat Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 turboprop with capacity for ten Business Class passengers and 62 Economy travellers. Arik Air is initially offering five flights per week but could increase capacity subject to demand.

”The new services to Asaba International Airport will offer a highly attractive alternative to passengers using the existing flights to Osubi Airstrip, Warri, Benin Airport or Enugu International Airport. Arik Air appreciates the importance of Delta State in Nigeria's industrial and economic development as an oil producing state,” said Chris Ndulue, Managing Director, Arik Air.

The airport, in the south of the country, was opened just last month with the first commercial passenger flight taking place on July 18. The city of Asaba, the capital of oil rich Delta State of Nigeria, is strategically located on a hill at the western edge of the River Niger and was once the colonial capital of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.