A major controversy has erupted involving Nigerian carrier Air Peace, following a flight diversion that left dozens of passengers stranded in Barbados. The incident, which occurred on 21 December, has led to accusations of passenger abandonment, which the airline has vehemently denied.
Passenger Accounts of Coercion and Detention
According to affected travellers, the ordeal began at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. Passengers who had purchased tickets for a direct flight to Kingston, Jamaica, allege they were informed at check-in that the airline would no longer fly directly to Jamaica. Instead, they were rerouted via Barbados.
One passenger gave a detailed account, stating that check-in commenced around 1 a.m. on Sunday, December 21. "All Jamaican-bound passengers, including myself, were coerced into changing our tickets," the passenger claimed. "Despite holding a valid Jamaican visa, I was forced to travel to a country with which I had no prior connection. When I resisted, I was threatened with a no-refund policy."
The situation reportedly worsened upon arrival in Barbados. Passengers claimed they were left at the airport, detained for nearly 24 hours without adequate food or water, and subsequently deported by Barbadian immigration authorities. Efforts to contact Air Peace for help during this period were said to be unsuccessful.
Air Peace's Official Response and Explanation
In a statement issued on Monday, Air Peace strongly refuted the allegations of misleading or abandoning passengers. The airline provided a different sequence of events, stating the issue originated during pre-departure checks at MMIA.
The airline explained that it discovered some passengers lacked the required transit visas to travel via the originally planned stop in Antigua to final destinations like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Air Peace stated that affected passengers were immediately offered full refunds.
"Based solely on voluntary request, Air Peace facilitated the rerouting. In total, 42 passengers freely and expressly had their tickets rerouted through Barbados to their final destinations. No passenger was forced, coerced, or compelled to travel to Barbados," the airline's statement read.
Operational Delays and Immigration Concerns in Barbados
Air Peace attributed the subsequent difficulties to operational delays, which caused passengers to miss their connecting flights. The airline said carriers scheduled to operate the onward journeys declined to honour the tickets, leaving some travellers stranded.
The statement also cited specific concerns raised by Barbadian immigration authorities that led to the deportation of 25 individuals. These concerns included:
- A lack of confirmed hotel accommodation.
- Declined credit card transactions.
- Inconsistencies in return travel dates.
Air Peace noted that 67 passengers from the same group were granted entry and allowed to continue their travels, while the 25 were denied entry based on the raised concerns.
Reiterating its position, Air Peace said it acted responsibly by offering refunds, facilitating voluntary rerouting, providing on-ground assistance, and ensuring the safe return of all affected passengers.
Regulatory Body Steps In
Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed it is looking into the matter. Michael Achimugu, a spokesperson for the NCAA, stated that the issue had not been formally reported to the authority but that Consumer Protection Officers in Lagos had been directed to investigate and provide a report.
The incident highlights the complexities of international travel regulations and the challenges passengers and airlines can face when flight disruptions occur. The outcome of the NCAA's investigation is awaited for further clarity on the responsibilities of all parties involved.
