Nigeria’a major air carrier Arik Air has reportedly suspended all flight operations throughout the country for Thursday, September 20.

On the company’s website, it published the following announcement:

“Due to an action by the FAAN Union at the General Aviation Terminal in Lagos, we are sorry to advise our passengers that all domestic flights by Arik Air are cancelled for today Thursday 20 September. This information will be updated once we hear of any change. Passengers who have tickets to travel today will be re-booked on available flights once operations resume.”

The one-day suspension of the airline’s operations comes a day after the Senate Committee on Aviation recommended on Wednesday that Arik Air be allowed to serve as Nigeria’s national flag carrier until the Aviation ministry is able to make other arrangements for a national carrier, according to Channels Television.

This means extra perks for Arik Air, should the recommendation be adopted by the National assembly. It will enjoy preferential rights or privileges according by the government for international operations, Channels TV reported, but it will be required to display the Nigerian flag in all its aircraft.

Africa’s most populous nation lost its only flag-bearing carrier after financial strains and workers’ strikes clipped the wings of Air Nigeria earlier this month.

“What we are saying is that for now let’s allow Arik to fly our flag around the world while the ministry of aviation is working out modalities of securing a new national carrier,” Mr. Hope Uzodinma, chairman of the committee, said.

Senate President David Mark has asked for a revised draft of the recommendations in order for members to deliberate.