Azman Air denies allegations of an indefinite suspension and confirms a forthcoming return, attributing the situation to ongoing aircraft maintenance activities.

This information was shared in a statement by Hadi Abdulmunafi, the Accountable Manager at Azman Air Services Limited, on August 24, 2024. The airline felt it necessary to clarify the situation after various media outlets reported that its operations had been indefinitely suspended.

Azman Air had previously halted its services in March 2023, citing that all four of its aircraft were undergoing maintenance overseas. As of August 3, 2023, the airline had placed its employees on “leave without pay.”

Although Azman Air resumed operations in 2024, several media sources reported in August of this year that it had once again suspended its services. The airline began its scheduled operations in 2014 with two Boeing 737 aircraft, which increased to seven at its peak but later reduced to four.

Abdulmunafi emphasized that it is incorrect for media reports to claim that the airline has indefinitely ceased operations.

“We are currently finalizing the maintenance of two of our aircraft, and we anticipate resuming our full flight operations very soon. 

“The temporary pause in our services was a necessary measure to ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability for our valued passengers. We understand the inconvenience this may have caused and deeply appreciate the continued support and understanding of our customers,” he stated. 

He emphasized that the airline team has been working tirelessly to expedite the maintenance process and is now in the final stages. 

“Azman Air is committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient air travel services, and we are eager to welcome passengers back on board in the near future. 

“We will keep our customers and the public informed of any further developments through our official channels. Thank you for your patience and loyalty as we work towards resuming our operations at the earliest possible time,” the statement partly reads. 

Recently, it was reported that Azman Air has required nearly its entire workforce to take mandatory unpaid leave, with only eight employees remaining on duty.

The Nigerian airline has also halted its operations. A circular issued by the Human Resources Manager, Magaji Mohammed Misau, on August 3, 2023, indicated that the only staff members exempt from this leave are eight senior personnel.

The document, titled ‘Placement Of Leave Without Pay,’ stated, “As you are aware, our domestic operations have been suspended temporarily due to the ongoing C-Checks and the MROS has extended the completion timeline. Consequently, all staff members are placed on Leave Without Pay effective August 1, 2023.”

Nurudeen Aliyu, the Public Relations Officer for Azman Air, attributed this situation to aircraft maintenance issues. He mentioned that the airline plans to resume its domestic operations and reinstate staff in October 2024.

Azman Air has encountered challenges in the past, including a license suspension in 2022 due to a N1.2 billion debt from ticket sales and expired documentation.