In 2024, Arik Air transported 2,239,176 passengers from January 1 to December 31, according to a report provided by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Despite facing numerous difficulties since being placed under the management of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) in 2017, the airline maintained an impressive operational record during the period in question. It successfully carried out 10,699 flights, securing its position as the second busiest carrier in Nigeria based on both passenger volume and flight frequency, just behind Air Peace.

The report indicates that the overall count of domestic air travelers in 2024 amounted to 11,549,443, comprising 5,727,700 arrivals and 5,821,743 departures. It highlights that Arik Air accounted for 19.3 percent of this entire passenger volume during 2024. Additionally, within the same period, out of the total 70,543 flights carried out by the country’s fifteen local carriers, Arik Air held onto 15.1 percent of these operations.

According to the Executive Summary on International and Domestic Flight Operations 2024 compiled by the NCAA, Arik Air transported 1,112,358 arriving passengers and 1,126,818 departing passengers in 2024, totaling 2,239,176 travelers for the year.

The monthly report for passenger numbers showed that Arik Air handled 37,772 incoming travelers and 38,987 outgoing ones in January 2024, bringing the total to 76,759. In February, these figures were 38,217 inbound and 39,209 outbound, summing up to 77,426 passengers. The month of March saw 37,183 arriving and 37,642 departing passengers, amounting to a combined figure of 74,825. Finally, in April, the counts stood at 31,326 arrivals and 31,971 departures, totaling 63,297 passengers.

In May 2024, the airline reported 39,006 arriving passengers and 39,765 departing passengers, summing up to a total of 78,771 for the month. In June, the numbers were 37,710 arrivals and 38,617 departures, amounting to 76,327 in total. For July, the figures stood at 156,146 incoming travelers and 159,044 outgoing ones, totaling 315,190. Then in August, the airline registered 153,080 inbound and 144,259 outbound passengers, resulting in an overall count of 297,339 during this timeframe.

In September, Arik Air handled 143,396 incoming passengers and 145,096 outgoing ones, summing up to 288,492 in total. For October, these figures were 129,506 for arrivals and 133,330 for departures, totaling 262,836 passengers. In November, they managed 252,448 arriving travelers and 255,578 departing ones, which adds up to 508,026 altogether. Finally, during December, the numbers stood at 56,568 incoming and 63,322 outgoing passengers, resulting in a combined total of 119,890 over this timeframe.

Also, a month-by-month breakdown of flights operated by Arik Air in 2024 showed that the airline had a total number of 380 flights in January, 2024; 419 flights in February and 468 flights in March 2024.

A more detailed analysis revealed that the airline conducted 340 flights in April, increased to 374 flights in May, then decreased slightly with 350 flights in June. The peak was observed in July when the number surged dramatically to 1,403 flights within a single month.

In addition, the airline conducted 1,320 flights in August, followed by 1,352 in September, then 1,266 in October, and saw an increase to 2,442 flights in November. In December 2024, they managed only 585 flights. During this timeframe, passenger complaints numbered at 190 in total, most of which were addressed satisfactorily by the airline.

The detailed analysis revealed that for the month of January, not a single passenger complained about their journey with the airline. In February, however, there were merely two complaints registered, followed by just one complaint in March.

In April, there were four complaints; in May, two; in June, just one; in July, three; August saw seven complaints; September reported 28; October witnessed 50; November experienced 67, whereas December 2024 logged only 25 complaints from airline passengers. Additionally, Arik Air did not have any lost baggage incidents in 2024. According to NCAA data, out of 84 delayed baggage instances, every item was eventually returned to its rightful owner.

Moreover, distinct from other local airlines, Arik Air experienced just one instance of overbooking or denied boarding across all 10,699 of its flights in 2024, which occurred in October.

Olumide Ohunayo, the General Secretary of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiatives, stated: “In 2024, Arik Air has demonstrated remarkable performance even though it was under AMCON receivership. According to data from the regulatory body, Arik secured second place for domestic passenger traffic, transporting 2,239,176 passengers. This achievement highlights their strength and effective management amid difficult circumstances.”

Boasting a 13.4% slice of the market from a total of 11.5 million local travelers, Arik Air maintains its commanding presence thanks to robust operations. Despite facing financial hurdles, distracting lawsuits, restricted aircraft resources, and regulatory obstacles, the carrier has managed to provide dependable air transport. This achievement underscores their adept handling of flight paths and efficient meeting of customer needs.

It is important to mention that Arik Air experienced significant service interruptions because of a high court directive that grounded several of its planes last year. At that time, opting for mediation would have been more prudent than abruptly halting operations through executive action.

Roland Iyayi MD from Top Brass Aviation Limited commented, “It is an impressive and substantial accomplishment for Arik Air to have carried 2.2 million passengers and secured the second spot in Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector, surpassing rivals such as Ibom Air with 1.3 million passengers, Max Air with 915,918, and Aero Contractors with 964,900, particularly when one considers all the challenges they faced during their period under receivership.”

Arik Air has performed impressively considering its restricted ability to secure new funding, older aircraft fleet, and the regulatory challenges associated with its receivership.

The Strategic Support from The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) should be acknowledged for playing an essential part in stabilizing Arik Air. This assistance has ensured ongoing operations and maintained passenger trust. In the absence of AMCON’s involvement, the airline might not continue as a significant entity within Nigeria’s aviation sector. Arik Air’s success during this period under management highlights AMCON’s dedication to protecting employment, supporting economic activities, and providing secure, dependable air travel options for Nigerians.