Arik Air (W3 / ARA)

Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, Lagos, Nigeria
Airlines
Arik Air (W3 / ARA) Arik Air (W3 / ARA)
Type: Domestic & International

🟥 Arik Air (W3 / ARA)

Legacy Nigerian Airline Under AMCON Receivership

 

🟦 1. Overview

Arik Air is one of Nigeria’s most prominent legacy airlines, once the largest commercial carrier in West and Central Africa. Founded in 2006 with a bold vision of operating brand‑new aircraft across major domestic, regional, and transatlantic routes — including London and New York — the airline significantly reshaped Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

Following severe financial challenges, Arik Air was placed under AMCON receivership in 2017, resulting in a major operational downsizing. Today, the airline runs a streamlined domestic network, focusing on essential trunk routes under government-backed stabilization.

🟧 2. Identity & Corporate Details

  • Official Name: Arik Air Limited (In Receivership)
  • IATA / ICAO Codes: W3 / ARA
  • Founded: 2004 (Operations began October 30, 2006)
  • Head Office: Arik Aviation Centre, Murtala Muhammed Airport (Domestic Wing), Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria
  • Ownership: Managed by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON); originally founded by Sir Joseph Arumemi‑Ikhide

🟪 3. Operational Class

  • Segment: Full‑Service Carrier (FSC)
  • Market Position: A legacy domestic operator with strong brand recognition, now focused on Nigeria’s busiest commercial and political routes

🟨 4. Network & Fleet

🛫 Primary Hubs

  • Murtala Muhammed Airport (LOS) — MMA2 & Terminal 1, Lagos
  • Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), Abuja

🌍 Destination Scope

  • Domestic: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Warri, and other high‑traffic commercial routes
  • Regional/International: All former long‑haul and West African routes remain suspended as the airline concentrates on domestic stabilization

🛩️ Fleet Profile

A streamlined operational fleet consisting of:

  • Boeing 737‑700 / 800 (primary narrow‑body aircraft)
  • De Havilland Dash 8‑Q400 (turboprops for short domestic segments)

🟦 5. The Passenger Journey

🎫 Ticketing & Booking

  • Digital Channels: arikair.com + standard mobile booking interfaces
  • GDS Access: Available through select Global Distribution Systems for travel agencies
  • Loyalty Program: Arik Affinity Wings (legacy frequent‑flyer program)

🛄 Check-In & Boarding

  • Online Check-In: Opens 24 hrs before departure; closes 2 hrs prior
  • Airport Counters: Close 45 mins before domestic departures

📦 Baggage Allowance

  • Domestic:
    • Economy: 20kg
    • Business: 30kg
  • Excess Baggage: Charged per kilogram + VAT
  • Cabin: 1 hand luggage (max 7kg) + 1 personal item (handbag/laptop bag)

🟥 6. Support & Contact Channels

☎️ Central Call Center

  • +234 (0) 201 889 1728
  • 0700003592745 (0700FLYARIK)

📧 Primary Support Emails

🏢 Airport Desk Locations

Permanent booking and customer service counters at:

  • MMA2 & Terminal 1 (Lagos)
  • Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport (Abuja)
  • Departure terminals of all active domestic destinations