CASES OF DELAYED FLIGHTS AND CANCELLATION

DELAYED FLIGHTS IN NIGERIA

Domestic airlines operating in Nigeria recorded 16,353 cases of delayed flights between January and June, statistics from the Consumer Protection Department of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have revealed.

A document issued by the department and obtained on Thursday by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, shows that 30,100 flights were operated by eight airlines during the period under review.

According to the document, 601 flights were cancelled for various reasons by the airlines.

It said the airlines in operation were Aero Contractors, Arik Air, Air Peace, Azman Air, Dana Air, First Nation, Med-View and Overland.

Arik, which operated 10,261 flights, topped the chart of delayed and cancelled flights with 5,780 and 156 respectively.

Aero Contractors followed with 2,895 delayed flights and 231 cancellations out of its 4,714 flight operations, the department reported.

Air Peace operated 5,366 flights with 2,328 cases of delayed flights and 12 cancelled flights, the report added.

Meanwhile, the airlines attributed the delays and cancellations to the lingering scarcity of aviation fuel in the country.

A travel and tourism expert, Ikechi Uko, urged the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the issue.

Mr. Uko, who is the promoter of Akwaaba African Travel and Tour Market, said acute shortage of aviation fuel had disrupted the operations of most domestic airlines in recent weeks.

He said the development was not good for the industry.

“The fuel situation has led to flight cancellations and delays. When an airline has issue of schedule integrity, it affects the brand of the airline.

“So, now almost every Nigerian airline is having problem of brand integrity.

‘’ We are having frequent flight cancellations and delays and passengers are kept waiting unnecessarily. No airline enjoys treating passengers like that.

“The situation will only be helped when the fuel is available.

‘’If it is not available, most foreign airlines will load fuel from other countries but for Nigerian carriers, they do not have such an option,” Uko said.

NAN recalls that in July NCAA advised domestic airlines to scale down their flight operations because of the lingering scarcity of aviation fuel.

The Acting General Manager, Public Relations of the agency, Sam Adurogboye, said NCAA was concerned and would not want passengers to suffer unduly because of the scarcity.

Helicopter Crashes Into Oworonsoki End Of Lagos Lagoon

An unidentified helicopter carrying 12 people plunged into the lagoon behind Oworonsoki Police Station.

An eyewitness said the  incident occurred at about 3PM on Wednesday, August 12.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) identified the crashed helicopter as belonging to Bristow Helicopters with registration number 5N- BDG-760540.

The helicopter, according to NCAA, was en route from one of the nation’s oil rigs before crashing at the Oworonshoki area of Lagos State.

The General Manager of NCAA Public Affairs, Mr Fan Ndubuoke said that the ill-fated helicopter was scheduled to arrive Lagos at 3:35pm.

The helicopter according, to Mister Ndubuoke had 12 people on board.

Officials of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Police are at the scene carrying out rescue operations.

Ten people were found, four dead and six rescued on Wednesday. The remaining two bodies in Wednesday's helicopter crash in the Lagos lagoon have been found. 

Thursdays bodies implies six people have been confirmed dead from the crash.

Rescue officials are now putting the corpses into body bags. 

Jennifer Aniston The New face of Emirate Airlines

Hollywood superstar Aniston reportedly has signed a lucrative deal to become the new face of Dubai-based airline Emirates.

"We can confirm that we are working with Ms. Jennifer Aniston on a global digital and television campaign," Boutros Boutros, Emirates' divisional SVP for corporate communications, marketing and brand, says in a statement to The National of Dubai. "We do not wish to discuss contract details, and more information about the campaign will be unveiled in due course."

Citing unnamed sources, the New York Post reported  that Aniston's deal with Emirates is worth about $5 million. The newspaper's sources say that Aniston will appear in a global print and TV ad campaign for the airline.

She is the second Hollywood star to have been made brand ambassador to a UAE-based airline,the first being Nicole Kidman who is endorsing Etihad Airways since March.

Emirates is the largest carrier in the United Arab Emirates while Etihad is No. 2. Each has expanded rapidly during the past decade, and both are among the world's fast-growing carriers.

5 Most Tourist Sites To Visit In Nigeria

1. Nigeria is endowed with beautiful scenes and interesting places that are worthy for the eyes to behold. Have you ever visited or considered visiting some of Nigeria's most beautiful places? A visit to any of these places would convince anyone that Nigeria actually has some of the most valuable tourist centers in Africa. Whether you're a Nigerian or a foreigner, here are five beautiful places you should plan visiting on your next holiday.
   

   1. Obudu Ranch Resort Cross River State Nigeria

   
   
   Obudu Cattle Ranch (now referred to as Obudu Ranch Resort) in Cross River State is a perfect tourist destination for tourists and family vacation. It features a water park with water slide and a swimming pool, a golf course, night time burn fires, and horse back riding, making it one of the best tourist locations in Nigeria. Besides, visitors can have a nice experience with their families and nature as they hike through the forest and mountains while watching the birds in their nests. The resort, in addition, provides comfortable accommodation in form of African round huts and executive apartments depending on the choice of guests. Visitors need to arrive the city of Calabar , then go aboard a shuttle to Obudu on a journey of about 3 hours approximately.
   

   2. Yankari Game Reserve Bauchi State Nigeria

   
   If you want a holiday with the wildlife, Yankari Game Reserve is the place to visit. A vast land of natural diversities with an area of more than 900 square kilometers. Often referred to as the replica of the popular Nairobi National Park, it is home to some of the best wildlife species like lions, monkeys, cheetahs, crocodiles, etc. Located in Bauchi state, this famous reserve has modern-styled architectural landmarks and resting houses with world class amenities which are other point of attraction to be experienced while on a visit there apart from the wildlife. Once in Nigeria either as a native or visitor, arriving this natural abode is just a direct route depending on your present location.
   

   3. Tinapa Business Resort Cross River State Nigeria

   
   
   
   Also in Cross River State, Tinapa Business Resort is another wonderful tourist site in Nigeria. It is a solid combination of both business and leisure resort conceptualized to be an integrated business resort. Tinapa Free Zone has world class facilities that enable visitors engage in retail and wholesale activities as well as leisure and entertainment. Aside these, there is a movie production studio often referred to as "Studio Tinapa" or "Nollywood" an entertainment strip that comprises a casino, restaurant, night club, and pubs all in there. Getting there is quite easy, once you find your way to the city of Calabar, you can get to Tinapa from there.
   
   

   4. La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ibeju Lekki Nigeria

   
   La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos state is an exciting tourist attraction with a unique blend of natural environment which include a fresh water lake, accessible mangrove forest, a savannah, and an extensive sand beach. With a customer friendly staff, the resort provides standard accommodation and a variety of activities to ensure an experience like no other. Adequate security is also provided to protect visitors and their families, so there will be absolutely no need for any apprehension on security issues. Whether you're a visitor or a Nigerian, reaching this magnificent place is quite easy since it is located in Lagos the commercial hub of Nigeria.
   
   
   

   5.  Azurnini Blue River Abia State Nigeria

   
    
   
   In Abia State Nigeria, towards it's boundary with Akwa Ibom lies theAzurnini Blue River. It has become a resort for tourists because of its pleasant nature. Some of the attractive features of this charming river include its crystal-clear blue water, canoe ride, sand beach, with chairs and tables for relaxing. Tasty delicacies such as BBQ and grill are available for picnickers. Getting to Azurnini Blue River located in Abia would not be difficult as much as you can find your way to Abia state. A domestic flight via Lagos or Abuja could take you to the state.
   
   Whichever tourist destination you choose to visit in Nigeria, aside the breathtaking sight seeing, exciting landscapes, architectural masterpiece, nature watch and calm blue seas, a safe and secure holiday experience is guaranteed.

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