Oshiomhole’s attitude unacceptable, say airline operators as Keyamo orders a probe.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) expressed dismay on Friday over the conduct of the former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport, calling it unacceptable and another example of the growing trend of unruly passenger behaviour experienced by domestic airlines.
Professor Obiora Okonkwo of the AON also expressed disappointment that two days after the incident, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had not clarified what had happened.
Okonkwo remarked that Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, instructed relevant aviation agencies to investigate the dispute.
A spokeswoman for the AON spoke with journalists in Lagos at an occasion when United Nigeria Airlines announced its integration into Sabre’s Global Distribution System (GDS).
He stated, “As much as we appreciate and realise that every passenger has a right, your rights are limited to what is permitted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the aviation business.
“No amount of disappointment justifies the right to self-help. We have been discussing disorderly behaviour; what specific type of behaviour are we referring to? What you witnessed was a typical case. Air Peace is a respected airline; regardless of what you say, they transport 40 to 50 percent of domestic customers. As such, they deserve to be respected. It’s someone’s investment. It is not acceptable to demonise the airline.
This comment is too disconnected from a productive discussion of the issues. We looked at what he (Oshiomhole) said and saw no sense. Every airline seeks to transport its passengers. We make tremendous efforts and go to great lengths to ensure our passengers are satisfied.
Meanwhile, Keyamo posted on his X account, “In the aftermath of the incident at the Lagos Airport last Wednesday involving Air Peace airline and Senator Adams Oshiomhole.”
I’ve been in close communication with both parties since that morning. I also directed the aviation agencies to avoid drawing hasty judgements, following the established legal approach of assessing all options before reaching a decision.
“Whilst appealing to both sides to halt the public accusations and counter-accusations, I am further directing the relevant aviation agencies to thoroughly look into the issue, collect all available evidence and revert to my office so we can deal with the issue in such a way as to guide future conduct in similar situations.”