Air Peace Airline has strongly criticized Senator Adams Oshiomhole for his disruptive conduct at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, which caused a disturbance to flight operations.
According to the airline, the incident occurred when Senator Oshiomhole missed Flight P47120, scheduled to depart for Abuja at 6:30 a.m.
“The incident happened early yesterday morning when the politician arrived late for Flight P47120, which was scheduled to depart at 6:30 a.m. He arrived at 6:10 a.m. after boarding had already closed in line with Air Peace’s on-time departure policy.”
The airline reported that the senator reacted aggressively upon learning he missed his flight. “Upon being informed of the missed flight, the politician resorted to violence, physically assaulting our members of staff and forcefully barricading the terminal’s entrance. He went as far as sealing the entry gate and manning the access point, effectively obstructing other passengers from gaining entry into the terminal.”
This behavior significantly disrupted operations, impacting many passengers. “This unacceptable behaviour caused significant disruption to ongoing operations and affected numerous travellers scheduled for various flights. To minimise further inconvenience, Air Peace swiftly activated an operational contingency plan to board affected passengers through an alternate terminal, ensuring the continuity of their travel plans.”
Air Peace expressed disappointment over the senator’s actions, emphasizing their stance against such behavior.
“We are deeply saddened that such a high-profile figure displayed conduct so unbecoming and disruptive to fellow passengers and our personnel. Air Peace maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence or any form of aggression against our members of staff and passengers.”
The airline called on passengers to remain respectful and cooperative, stressing the importance of adhering to strict aviation protocols.
“We are deeply saddened that such a high-profile figure displayed conduct so unbecoming and disruptive to fellow passengers and our personnel. Air Peace maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence or any form of aggression against our members of staff and passengers.”
In response, Senator Oshiomhole provided his account of the incident at the airport’s Terminal 1, Zulu Hall. He narrated how passengers, including himself, were prevented from boarding an Air Peace flight to Abuja despite having checked in online.
Oshiomhole, addressing a viral video showing his heated exchange with an airport official, claimed the unrest stemmed from Air Peace’s actions.
“They delayed the flight for over five hours. In the end, they announced a cancellation. I had to get another ticket. Yesterday, I booked a flight for 6:30 a.m., which is their first flight today. I booked and asked them to check me in online, which I did, along with two other Ghanaians . We checked in online just to avoid the last-minute issues I’ve had with them a couple of times.”
He further alleged that despite arriving early and presenting proof of online check-in, he was denied boarding.
“I got there at about five minutes past six. They told me the counter was closed. I told them, ‘No, I’ve already checked in.’ I showed them the evidence of my online check-in. Even before then, they had asked if I had checked in, and I told them yes, and that I had no luggage. They looked at it but still said the gate had been closed. Meanwhile, I noticed they were still taking other people in.”
Oshiomhole accused the airline of exploiting passengers by reselling seats at higher prices. “Meanwhile, the airline was selling tickets on the spot for between N200,000 and N300,000. To take advantage of the situation, they discouraged those who had bought tickets online at lower rates and sold to people willing to pay more,” Oshiomhole stated, among others.
The airline also debunked Oshiomhole’s claims of extortion, asserting, “None of our staff ever extorted any passengers. No ticket was sold after the closure of check-in on that flight.
Everyone who flew bought their ticket before the flight closure.”The airline called on passengers to remain respectful and cooperative, stressing the importance of adhering to strict aviation protocols.
They further challenged Oshiomhole’s allegations, stating, “The Senator lied blatantly when he accused Air Peace of extorting its passengers. We challenge Senator Oshiomole to bring one piece of evidence of a passenger who was extorted.” Air Peace also clarified that the flight was not overbooked, noting, “The aircraft took off with over thirty (30) empty seats.”
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