Air Peace denies arresting passengers as alleged in social media video

Air Peace has denied ever arresting any passenger as alleged in a certain video on social media thereby portraying Air Peace in a bad light.

The airline in a statement says, it has become imperative that they clear the air and correct the impressions created.

While apologising for the inconveniences suffered by passengers due to the delay, the airline says, those arrested were picked up by Aviation security and not the airline in line with their duties.

“The passengers in the video were supposed to be on a 19:20 Lagos-Abuja flight (September 28) but consequent upon tenable unforeseen operational concerns, the flight was delayed. We put 46 of them on a flight that departed at 19:16, leaving behind 46 passengers”.

The statement adds that the delay was professionally communicated to the passengers and we apologised for the delay and inconveniences.

“However, a certain male passenger, Paul Samuel, who suddenly became uncontrollably irate, assaulted our Boarding Officer. This was unnecessary and despicable. We were about distributing refreshments in consonance with NCAA Regulations but Paul’s action disrupted the process and noise erupted from different quarters while he incited other passengers against the airline”.

The airline explained that “FAAN Security was notified as the passengers were now trying to gain entrance to the airfield even when the aircraft was not yet on the ground. FAAN Security was compelled to lock the Boarding Gate to prevent the passengers from going to the airfield, a highly regulated part of the airport”.

“At 22:35, we called for boarding for the remaining 46 passengers. Due to his violent behaviour, Paul was arrested by FAAN Security. The action was taken in the best interest of the passengers and the airline.

Also, the lady, Okoroafor Rita, who recorded the video being circulated, without the consent of those being recorded, was arrested by FAAN Security. FAAN Security repeatedly told her to stop recording but she did not. These arrests made some other passengers unruly but with reinforcement from FAAN Security, the situation was managed, and the remaining passengers were able to board”.

“The arrests of Paul and Rita were done by FAAN Security in line with their standard procedures”.

“Again, we sincerely apologise for the inconveniences experienced by the passengers last night as a result of the flight delay as it was caused by unavoidable operational factors. Air Peace is committed to providing Nigerians safe and seamless connectivity across cities and will not deliberately delay flights”.