Air Transport

Virgin Nigeria is suspending its long-haul services to the UK and South Africa, pending a review of the operations.

The Lagos-based carrier will stop the London Gatwick and Johannesburg routes on 27 January.

It states that the decision will enable it to assess its long-haul services, adding that this includes the product the carrier offers.

"In the meantime our focus is on consolidating and continuing to expand our profitable domestic and regional flight operations," says the airline.

"Once the long-haul product review has been finalised, we are certain to return to the long-haul routes."

The airline says it wants to put a "truly competitive" product on the routes.

Virgin Nigeria has been leasing Boeing 767 aircraft from Icelandair Group's Latvian operator SmartLynx to perform long-haul services.