A Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency representative at the National Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, has voiced his intention to pursue legal recourse against Air Peace Limited due to alleged irregularities. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ahmed highlighted his dissatisfaction with the Nigerian airline’s actions, claiming that they had downgraded his flight from Business class to economy class despite paying approximately N12 million for a trip from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport to Jeddah.
Ahmed, who was accompanied by his family on flight P4752 to King Abdulaziz International Airport for lesser hajj, recounted that the departure from Kano airport was initially scheduled for March 27, 2024, but faced a delay until the following day. The House Committee on Interior Chairman emphasized the necessity of legal action, citing his experience with Air Peace as emblematic of the systemic issues plaguing the Nigerian aviation sector.
Expressing dismay over the prevalent issues of frequent delays, flight disruptions, and unannounced schedule changes, Ahmed denounced Air Peace’s handling of passengers. He characterized the airline’s conduct as inhumane and unacceptable, stressing the urgency of addressing such malpractices.
Ahmed underscored his determination to pursue legal action against Air Peace, asserting that it is essential to combat the ongoing mistreatment of passengers nationwide. He pledged to collaborate with fellow lawmakers in the National Assembly to ensure that Air Peace and other airlines engaging in similar misconduct are duly penalized, signaling a departure from the status quo.
Ahmed affirmed his commitment to effecting change within the aviation industry, emphasizing that accountability and justice must prevail. He conveyed his resolve to challenge the prevailing norms and advocate for the rights of air travelers, signaling a concerted effort to hold airlines accountable for their actions.
He said: “I paid about N12 million for a business class ticket on 22 March 2024 and we were supposed to depart Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on March 27 to Jeddah for lesser hajj. However, the Air Peace operator changed the ticket to economy class without compensation.
“Unfortunately, they delayed our flight till the next day. This is a clear case of a breach of contract by Air Peace. They should pay back the money otherwise I will be left with no option than to approach the court for a redress,” Ahmed added.
Another affected passenger, Ibrahim Shehu, called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant government agencies to intervene and recover money paid to Air Peace by affected passengers.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to wade in and stop the ongoing maltreatment of Nigerians and other travellers by Air Peace and other airlines in the country.