Arik Air (W3, Lagos) is considering possible flights to India following a recent visit to the airline's Lagos headquarters by the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ajjampur Rangalah Ghanashyam.

According to the High Commissioner, direct flights between Nigeria and India would boost business, tourism as well as reduce time spent in transit in other hubs such as Dubai International, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta and Addis Ababa International.

“This visit to Arik Air is the first stage in building an initial bridge of understanding. The airlines will decide the potential and viability of a partnership. I am confident that Arik Air has done well, given the facilities I have seen,” Ghanashyam said. “With over 120 daily flights, 26 aircraft and over 2000 direct employees, Arik Air qualifies as a serious player for any Indian airline to partner with in order to facilitate seamless flights between the two countries,” he said.

According to local daily, Business Day, 47% of Nigerians who visit India do so for medical reasons.

On reception of its second A330-200 last year, Arik Air management alluded to plans to expand the airline's network to include the Middle East and India.