A threat has been issued by the Air Operators of Nigeria (AON) to suspend all flight operations to Rivers State for a period of three months if the Caverton Helicopters pilots, who were detained after being arrested by Governor Nyesom Wike, are not released. The pilots were apprehended for allegedly violating the state government’s order to close borders and airspace during the COVID-19 outbreak. Captain Nogie Meggisson, Chairman of AON, has criticized the arrest, asserting that the airline had obtained all necessary approvals for the flight in accordance with the exemption protocols for essential flights issued by the NCAA. In a statement, AON expressed strong condemnation of the arrests and demanded the immediate release of the pilots along with the dropping of all charges. Failure to release the pilots within 24 hours will result in a boycott of all flight operations into Port Harcourt by airlines for three months. The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has also assured that the Federal Government will take necessary measures to secure the release of the pilots and ensure the continued operation of flights.