The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja became a scene of chaos and frustration as Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, abruptly cancelled multiple flights, stranding dozens of passengers overnight. The stranded travellers, comprising expatriates, families with children, and individuals, were forced to endure a night of discomfort, sleeping on the cold, hard aluminium chairs of the departure hall. Videos and photographs circulating online depicted scenes of anger and helplessness, with passengers demanding explanations from the airline and lamenting the disruption to their travel plans. This incident is not an isolated one, but rather part of a concerning pattern of flight cancellations and delays that has recently plagued Air Peace, drawing the attention and ire of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The widespread disruption caused by Air Peace’s actions has had a significant impact on the affected passengers. Dr. Kunle Ashimi, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Ogun State, was among those stranded. Scheduled for a 6:00 pm flight on Friday, he witnessed the flight time being repeatedly pushed back, ultimately leaving him stuck at the airport past 3:15 am. Dr. Ashimi highlighted the double standard in which passengers are penalized for arriving late, while airlines seemingly face no repercussions for such significant delays. He voiced his frustration over the financial implications of the delay, including the cost of a pre-booked hotel room in Ikorodu, Lagos, and the emotional toll the experience took on him and fellow passengers.
The stories of other stranded passengers further illustrate the widespread distress caused by Air Peace’s actions. An expatriate missed a crucial once-a-week international connecting flight, while a nursing mother, Adetoun, was forced to spend the night in the airport hall with her child, who had an important doctor’s appointment scheduled early the following morning. This situation exposed her child to the discomfort of the airport environment and the potential health risks associated with mosquito bites, adding another layer of concern to an already stressful situation. The collective experience of the stranded passengers painted a picture of widespread disruption, financial loss, and emotional distress.
The incident has reignited the ongoing clash between Air Peace and the NCAA. The aviation authority has issued warnings to the airline, demanding an end to the persistent delays and cancellations, while Air Peace maintains that its decisions are driven by safety concerns and are in the best interest of its passengers. The airline claims its priority is safety, not profit, and justifies its actions by arguing that it operates more aircraft than the authority schedules daily. This justification, however, has done little to assuage the anger and frustration of the affected passengers, who feel their concerns are being disregarded.
Air Peace issued a statement in response to the NCAA’s warnings, reiterating its commitment to safety and emphasizing that flight disruptions are only implemented when weather conditions, technical issues, or operational standards compromise passenger safety. The airline expressed empathy for the inconvenience caused to passengers but defended its decisions as necessary precautions. However, this statement has been met with skepticism by many, particularly in light of the repeated nature of these disruptions. Attempts to reach Air Peace spokesperson, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, for further comment were unsuccessful, further fueling the perception that the airline is avoiding accountability.
The incident involving the stranded passengers at the Abuja airport highlights the growing concerns surrounding the Nigerian aviation industry. The repeated delays and cancellations, coupled with what many perceive as inadequate communication and accountability from Air Peace, have eroded public trust and raised serious questions about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight. The pleas of the stranded passengers for government intervention underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to address the systemic issues plaguing the industry and ensure the safety and well-being of air travellers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of these disruptions and the need for greater transparency and accountability within the aviation sector.
