Welcome

Tag: flight tickets

  • Air Peace Breaks Silence on Gatwick Chaos, Blames Bird Strike for Flight Cancellation

    Air Peace has responded to backlash over its disrupted London to Lagos flight, stating that a bird strike forced the cancellation and grounding of the aircraft for safety checks.

    Airline reacts to viral claims

    The airline issued a statement addressing a viral video that alleged passengers were stranded without communication or care.

    Air Peace said the claims did not fully reflect the situation, stressing that safety considerations guided its actions.

    Bird strike forced cancellation

    According to the airline, the aircraft experienced a bird strike on May 1, requiring immediate suspension of the flight.

    It described the incident as a “force majeure” event that demanded comprehensive safety inspections before any operation could continue.

    “Safety is not negotiable… we would not operate an aircraft without the required clearance,” the airline said.

    Passengers informed, accommodation arranged

    Air Peace stated that passengers were informed of the disruption and that hotel accommodation was arranged at Hilton London Gatwick.

    It added that transit support was also provided while alternative flight plans were being organised.

    Delays linked to airport operations

    The airline explained that delays in moving some passengers were caused by airport congestion and slow baggage handling by ground service providers.

    It noted that baggage processes at international airports are handled by independent companies, not the airline directly.

    Denies abandoning travellers

    Air Peace insisted that passengers were not abandoned at any point, maintaining that communication was ongoing throughout the disruption.

    It said many affected passengers had already been accommodated while arrangements for new flights were in progress.

    The airline acknowledged the inconvenience caused but reaffirmed its commitment to safety and improved service delivery during disruptions.

  • Funke Akindele Calls Out Air Peace Over London Flight Delay, Stranded Passengers

    Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has criticised Air Peace over what she described as poor handling of a prolonged flight delay that left passengers stranded at London’s Gatwick Airport.

    Passengers left waiting for hours

    Akindele raised the alarm on Friday, saying travellers had been at the airport since early morning without clear communication from the airline.

    “Passengers (including elderly people) have been stranded since 6:30am… with no proper communication,” she wrote.

    She said the delay was initially attributed to a bird strike, with promises of hotel accommodation that were yet to be fulfilled.

    Frustration over lack of support

    According to the actress, passengers remained at the baggage claim area for hours without access to their luggage, food, or rest.

    She added that elderly passengers were struggling, while families were exhausted from the long wait.

    “People are still sitting at baggage claim hungry, exhausted, and without their bags,” she said.

    Situation persists despite complaints

    In a follow-up post shared with a video, Akindele said the situation had not improved several hours later.

    “Since 7am… it’s almost 4pm — no bags, no hotel, no proper updates. Passengers are stranded,” she stated.

    She called on the airline to release passengers’ luggage and provide immediate assistance.

    Air Peace responds to backlash

    Air Peace, in its response, expressed regret over the situation and said the disruption was caused by factors beyond its control.

    The airline noted that safety remains a priority and assured that efforts were ongoing to assist affected passengers.

    It urged travellers to remain patient while arrangements were being made.

    As of the time of filing this report, there was no confirmation that luggage had been released or that hotel accommodation had been provided.

  • Tinubu Moves to Waive Airlines’ Debts, Slash Ticket Charges Amid Jet A1 Crisis

    President Bola Tinubu has approved plans to waive debts owed by domestic airlines and reduce multiple charges on flight tickets, as part of urgent measures to ease pressure from the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel.

    Keyamo reveals presidency’s intervention

    Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development on Wednesday after a meeting with airline operators and oil marketers in Abuja.

    “I had the privilege of meeting Mr. President… The first request that he will consider and grant is a generous discount on the debts the airlines are owing aviation agencies,” Keyamo said.

    He noted that the decision affects debts owed to agencies such as NAMA, FAAN, and NCAA, with the final percentage of relief to be determined by the president.

    Fresh plan to cut ticket charges

    Keyamo also revealed that Tinubu has directed the formation of a committee to review and remove multiple levies, taxes, and fees on domestic air tickets.

    “He wants to set up a committee to address the issue of levies, taxes, and fees on domestic tickets once and for all,” the minister said.

    The committee is expected to submit recommendations within a short timeframe, with the aim of reducing costs for air travellers.

    Airlines push for full waiver

    Reacting to the proposal, Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema urged the president to go further by approving a total waiver of all airline debts.

    He also called for a temporary suspension of payments by operators until global fuel supply stabilises.

    Onyema commended Tinubu’s responsiveness, citing the recent removal of the 4 per cent Free on Board charge as a positive step.

    Funding concerns raised

    The airline boss further highlighted the high cost of financing in Nigeria, noting that operators access loans at rates between 30 and 35 per cent, compared to about 3 per cent globally.

    “In Nigeria, we acquire at 30 to 35 per cent. This is killing,” Onyema said, urging the government to strengthen the Bank of Industry to support airlines with lower-interest funding.

    Relief expected for aviation sector

    The proposed measures are expected to provide temporary relief for airline operators and passengers amid the ongoing fuel crisis affecting flight operations across the country.

    The development is already gaining attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as stakeholders await implementation details.