Delta Airlines will suspend New York flight
Delta Airlines has rolled out plans to suspend indefinitely its non-stop flight services from Lagos-New York. The airline in a statement by its media consultant in Nigeria said that the suspension of the JFK flight would take effect from October 4, 2022.
The statement hinted that the airline took the decision in order” to fit the current demand environment.” The airline, however, said that its Lagos-Atlanta services would still continue.
The airline stated that its clients affected by the suspension would be re-accommodated on any of its flights or through its joint venture partner.
The statement said:”Delta is suspending its nonstop service between New York-JFK and Lagos to fit the current demand environment. The airline continues to operate service between Lagos and Atlanta and offers connections to New York and other cities across the United States.
“Customers impacted by our suspended New York-JFK to Lagos service will be reaccommodated on Delta-operated flights or services operated by our joint venture partners. Delta remains committed to the Nigeria market.”
Delta Airlines recommenced the direct flight from Lagos to New York on December 8, 2021 after the resumption of flight due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The airline before the latest announcement was operating three flights weekly to Lagos.
According to Mr Jimmy Eichelgruen, Commercial Director, Africa and the Middle East, Delta Airline then, “The flight DL214 would depart MMIA at 11:25 on December 8 and arrive at the New York-JFK Airport at 17:15, while its Flight DL215 would leave New York-JFK at 23:55 and arrive at the MMIA at 16:00 on December 9.”
He added that the re-entry will also connect Lagos to Atlanta daily with connections to 46 cities at Delta’s JFK hub.
“Pre-pandemic, the U.S. was one of the most popular destinations for Nigerians and we don’t see any signs of this slowing down.
“We are proud to be the only airline connecting Nigeria nonstop to two destinations in the United States, offering more choice and award-winning service whether travelling for business or leisure.
“Therefore, Delta has scheduled an Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the JFK route, which features a choice of Delta One, Delta Comfort, and Main Cabin seats.”
Recall that United Airlines, another American carrier had quit the Nigerian route in 2016 when it could not repatriate its blocked funds. Also, the Spanish carrier Iberia Air also suspended operations into the country at the peak of the crisis.
