[dropcap]A[/dropcap]zman Air, a prominent Nigerian airline, has announced the suspension of its domestic operations, instructing all staff members to embark on compulsory leave without pay. This decision comes as the airline’s fleet undergoes extensive maintenance.

Nurudeen Aliyu, the Public Relations Officer for Azman Air, confirmed the development on Monday, revealing that the airline’s entire fleet is currently out of service due to maintenance checks. “Two of our aircraft are in maintenance and three are due for C-check, which is why we suspended our domestic operations. Our aircraft will be back in October,” Aliyu explained.

The suspension, which affects the airline’s entire workforce, is expected to last until October 2024, when the aircraft are anticipated to return to service. In the meantime, only eight senior staff members have been exempted from the compulsory leave, as detailed in a circular signed by the Human Resources Manager, Magaji Mohammed Misau.

The circular, titled “Placement Of Leave Without Pay,” dated August 3, 2024, stated, “As you are aware, our domestic operations have been put on hold for a while due to the conveyance of our aircraft for C-checks, and the MROs have given a longer time of completion. All staff have been placed on Leave Without Pay with effect from August 1, 2024.”

Azman Air’s decision to pause operations and place staff on leave highlights the financial pressures facing the airline as it undertakes necessary maintenance on its fleet.

The airline’s management has indicated that operations are expected to resume in October 2024, once the aircraft have completed their checks and are cleared for service.