Delta Air Lines will suspend its flights between New York JFK airport and Lagos.
The airline disclosed this via a statement, stating that the route suspension was to fit into “the current demand environment.”
This is as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), applauds the Federal Government (FG)’s decision to release $265 million of foreign airlines’ funds stranded in the country, urging the operators to keep serving the market.
IATA is the umbrella body for over 290 global airlines. It urged Nigeria to workout the release of the $200 million balance, and put in place measures to avert accumulations.
The statement read, “Delta is suspending its nonstop service between New York-JFK and Lagos to fit the current demand environment.
“The airline continues to operate service between Lagos and Atlanta and offers onward connections to New York and other cities across the United States.
“Customers impacted by our suspended New York-JFK to Lagos service will be re-accommodated on Delta-operated flights or services operated by our joint venture partners. Delta remains committed to the Nigeria market.”
Foreign airlines and travel operators, at the weekend, heaved a sigh of relief following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) release of $265 million out of foreign carriers’ $465 million stranded in Nigeria.
The sector has lately been apprehensive over the stranded funds. Emirates airline, among others, had notified the government and customers of its plans to halt Nigerian operations, effective September 1, 2022.
IATA’s Regional Vice President Africa & Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, yesterday, said they welcome the Nigerian Government’s partial release of blocked funds.
