Nigeria’s leading airline, Arik Air, was this morning grounded by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), leaving passengers stranded.

News Express learnt that the ban was FAAN’s way of forcing Arik to pay various debts running into many millions of naira.

Arik, which is West Africa’s biggest airline, is disputing some of the claims by FAAN.

Contacted on phone by News Express, Arik spokesman, Banji Ola, said: “We are having a press conference. I will get back to you and send you our statement.”

News Express recalls that Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Nigeria recently folded up after months of a ban imposed by ban due to its unhealthy financial situation capable of jeopardising safety.