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Tag: airline

  • Airline didn’t compensate me for luggage loss, passenger tells court

    Airline didn’t compensate me for luggage loss, passenger tells court

    A passenger on Virgin Atlantic Airways, Alhaji Ahmed Rabiu, has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that contrary to the airline’s claims, he was neither compensated for his lost luggage nor was it replaced.

    Rabiu, in his response to Virgin Atlantic Airways’ statement of defence, stated that the defendant has not denied that he lost his luggage while using their airline.

    The airline blamed its inability to trace the luggage on Rabu’s failure to provide adequate information on the Property Irregularity Form given to him after he reported the loss.

    The plaintiff, a security expert, sued Virgin Atlantic Airways over breach of contract and the loss of his luggage on board its London to Lagos flight on September 24, 2024.

    Rabiu is demanding $4000 for the value of the items contained in the stolen luggage and N20 million as damages for the distress, inconvenience and solicitors’ fees incurred in the course of recovering the luggage.

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    In a supporting affidavit, the passenger averred that he boarded flight No. CNY3JV from London Heathrow, United Kingdom, to Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.

    He said he was checked in, along with his tagged prime luggage, by the airline’s staff.

    After the plane landed in Lagos, he waited at the conveyor belt, but his luggage never appeared on the carousel as other passengers picked up theirs and left.

    The plaintiff said he was given a Loss of Baggage Form to fill out and submit, but the airline neither gave him his luggage, replaced it or paid for the value of the contents.

    Rabiu claimed the airline’s failure to deliver his luggage after straining his finances to purchase its flight ticket was a massive breach of contract.

    He accused the airline of a deliberate attempt to escape liability for negligence and recklessness.

    But, the defendant said the plaintiff was not entitled to N20 million as damages.

    The airline said in the unlikely event that it is found liable, its liability, if any, should be as provided in the Montreal Convention 1999, which has been entrenched in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act of 2023.

  • Passenger takes airline to court over lost luggage, contract breach

    Passenger takes airline to court over lost luggage, contract breach

    A security expert, Alhaji Ahmed Rabiu, has sued Virgin Atlantic Airways before the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged breach of contract and the loss of his luggage on board its London to Lagos flight on September 24, 2024.

    Rabiu is demanding $4000 for the value of the items contained in the stolen luggage and N20 million as damages for the distress, inconvenience and solicitors’ fees incurred in the course of recovering the luggage.

    In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, the passenger averred that he boarded flight No. CNY3JV from London-Heathrow, United Kingdom, to Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos after undergoing rigorous security checks.

    He was properly checked in, along with his tagged prime luggage, by the Defendant’s operational staff.

    But after the plane landed in Lagos, he waited at the conveyor belt from the moment the baggage carousel was activated until it was switched off.

    He said while every other passenger on the defendant’s flight picked their luggage and left except him who became devastated.

    The plaintiff also maintained that he immediately informed the defendant’s staff on ground and he was given the Defendant’s Loss of Baggage Form to fill out and submit, which he did immediately.

    But the airline neither gave him his luggage, replaced it or pay for the value of the contents of his luggage.

    The plaintiff claimed that he was devastated by the fraudulent action of the defendant’s relevant operational staff and their recklessness or negligence.

    Read Also: Ibadan stampede: Court adjourns Naomi, Hamzat’s case to March 24

    This, he said, led to the disappearance of his newly bought bag containing his purchases in London properly received and tagged in an accident-free flight which landed in Lagos on schedule.

    He further stated that the defendant’s failure to deliver his luggage to him upon arrival in Lagos after straining his finances to purchase the defendant’s flight ticket was a huge breach of contract.

    Ahmed also claimed that upon the theft and loss of his luggage, he caused his lawyers to write the defendant a demand letter requesting the luggage or payment for the contents of the luggage. 

    The plaintiff alleged that the defendant did not respond to the letter, and his lawyer, yet again, sent a reminder, which, again, was not responded to.

    He insisted that he had suffered enormous economic losses and emotional distress and that it is in the interest of justice that the court grant his claims.

    The plaintiff averred: “There was neither accident nor armed robbery on the plane from London-Heathrow to Lagos Nigeria and there is no reason why the Plaintiff’s prime luggage could no longer be found upon arrival in Lagos.

    “The plaintiff’s luggage was at all material times at the care and control of the Defendant’s staff, who ought to exercise maximum care on the plaintiff’s luggage.

    “The theft and loss of the plaintiff’s luggage under the defendant’s custody has caused significant inconvenience and distress, and the contents of the said luggage were precious valuables purchased from Zara stores, Mark and Spencer, Diesel jeans outfit, Primark, Calvin Klein, Puma and AC & Co for the plaintiff’s use, his five male children, family and friends as well as valuable gift items for the plaintiff’s boss and colleagues in the office valued over £4000 (Four thousand Pounds). The Plaintiff shall rely on the Loss of Baggage Form showing the loss of the Plaintiff’s luggage.”

    Virgin Atlantic Airways had not responded to the suit.

    Justice Alexander Owoeye has fixed February 10 for a hearing.

  • Save us from extortion, airline chief urges Fed Govt

    Save us from extortion, airline chief urges Fed Govt

    Former Vice Chair of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Segun Adewale, has said fine from foreign airlines is killing travel agencies.

    NANTA is umbrella body of travel agencies in Nigeria.

    Adewale, chief executive of Aeroland Travels, pleaded with government to end the fines on travel agencies.

    He said many agencies have shut down due to fines.

    Adewale recalled that Turkish Airline slammed his firm with N56 million and $8,000 penalties for alleged breach.

    Read Also: Tim Godfrey laments over lost luggage, blames airline

    He said: “As an International Air Transport Association (IATA) licensed travel agency, we can issue tickets originating anywhere from Nigeria.

    “But, in 2023, following Nigeria’s dollar policies, some foreign airlines blocked their inventory such that travel agencies could not book in Nigeria, but African countries still access the service.

    ‘‘They wanted to sell in dollars but could not tell the government, so they blocked our access. But because we have office in Ghana, we sold tickets from there. But, after a year, Turkish Airlines said we had no authorisation to issue the ticket. It deducted N69.49 million from our accounts.

    “We fought and the money was reduced to N60 million through an invoice captioned, ‘invalid charges.

    ”Adewale said his firm petitioned Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and when NCAA intervened, the airline opted to settle out of court.’’

    He said: “After retrieving our petition from NCAA and the airline’s pledge to refund the money, it did not reverse the illegal debit and blocked our access to their system.

    “I have the court option now and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

    Adewale said the court advised them to go to arbitration and mediation, but while this was on, the airline deductied from the firm’s account…’’

    “My firm is not the only one involved. So, I am speaking for others in this business.”

    President of NANTA, Yinka Folami said the body will intervene. ‘‘We are optimistic the impasse will be resolved.”

    Efforts to get Turkish Airlines were unsuccessful. A top official, said: “I couldn’t get feedback from my head office and if you are out of time to publish, you may do it. However, you may visit the our website to check our debit memo/booking regulations.”

  • Price war in Nigeria’s airline industry

    Price war in Nigeria’s airline industry

    SIR: The commencement of Air Peace flights to London was met with enthusiasm by Nigerians, who welcomed the prospect of more affordable travel options. Nigerians have long borne the brunt of exorbitant airfares on international routes, particularly the Lagos-London connection. The arrival of Air Peace, offering more competitive pricing, was a welcome relief. However, this development also triggered a reaction from foreign carriers, fearing the loss of Nigerian passengers to their Nigerian competitor. A price war has erupted on the lucrative Lagos-London route, with foreign airlines slashing fares in a seemingly coordinated effort to push out domestic carrier, Air Peace. This development raises critical questions about global economics, political influence, and the future of Nigerian air travel.

    It’s essential to contextualise this price war within the broader framework of global economics and politics. The desperation of foreign carriers to maintain their stronghold reflects the competitive nature of the airline industry, where market share translates into power and influence. As Kwame Nkrumah aptly stated, understanding our enemies is crucial for African nations striving for economic independence and self-sufficiency. Nigerians play a pivotal role in driving the country’s economy forward. As consumers, their choices can shape market trends and influence the strategies of airlines operating within the region. In fact, this applies to other sectors of the economy. There’s a silver lining for Nigerian travellers in the short term, as these fare reductions could translate to immediate savings. Notwithstanding, this may be a temporary benefit. Price wars rarely result in long-term gains for consumers. The financial strain on airlines could lead to service cuts, fleet deterioration, and ultimately, higher fares once the competition is subdued.

    Read Also: Keyamo commends Air Peace as airline launches Lagos-London flight

    So, what’s the way forward for Air Peace? The airline needs to leverage its unique position as a truly Nigerian brand. This could involve innovative marketing campaigns that resonate with the local market and capitalise on Air Peace’s understanding of Nigerian travellers. It already started well by successfully integrating elements of Nigerian culture and identity into its services, setting itself apart from foreign competitors. The introduction of a distinctive dress code for its attendants, proudly African in style and the inclusion of local cuisines on board add a touch of authenticity and pride to the flying experience.

    Patriotic citizens also have a role to play. Supporting Nigerian-owned companies is not just an economic decision but also an act of patriotism. By patronising indigenous businesses like Air Peace, Nigerians contribute to the growth and prosperity of their own country. Encouraging the thriving of indigenous businesses such as Air Peace is essential for Nigeria’s economic resilience and autonomy. In a global economy often influenced by Western economic interests, the government must adopt a decisive stance in protecting and promoting local industries and entrepreneurs.

    • Matthew Alugbin PhD, Edo State University, Uzairue.
  • Lagos to float airline, build airport in Lekki

    Lagos to float airline, build airport in Lekki

    Lagos State is set to venture into airline business, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hinted yesterday.

    The state, he said, would soon begin the construction of its own airport in Lekki, a Lagos suburb which is fast-developing on the Epe axis.

    Sanwo-Olu spoke during the Lagos West Senatorial District Town Hall meeting at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja, where he presented the scorecard of his administration to Lagosians.

    He presented a catalogue of achievements in the West of Lagos.

    The governor also attributed the delay in the kick-off of the ambitions 38-kilometre Fourth Mainland Bridge to funding challenges.

    The bridge will connect Lagos Island across the Lagoon from Langbasa (Lekki) to Baiyeku, Itamaga in Ikorodu.

    The 2 x 4 lane carriageway, with permission for Bus Rapid Transit Lane and future road contraction was designed to relieve traffic on the three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland.

    They are: Eko Bridge, Cater Bridge and the Third Mailand Bridge.

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    A one-time permanent secretary and retired Auditor- General for Local Government in the state, Pa Muhammed Hassan, believed Lagos was ripe to own an airline. He backed the governor’s proposal.

    According to Sanwo-Olu, the airline business plan had been in the pipeline for months, with the state now finalising the financing model.

    “What is being considered is the Federal Government’s approval and operational contingency for the airline,” the governor said.

    At the meeting, Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, took feedback from residents, who posed questions.

    The governor noted that the input from the public was necessary to guide his government’s decision on planned programmes and interventions before their implementation.

    He pointed out that his administration had completed and opened 42 new roads projects and two flyovers in the district, with the combined length of the infrastructure spanning over 72 kilometres.

    Saying that the last four and half years had seen Lagos taking a leap forward in its socio-economic and development trajectory, the governor said he remained resolute in doubling his efforts to keep the state on the sustainable growth path as his second term progresses.

    The event was attended by members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), political, religious, business leaders and traditional rulers. Also there were members of the state executive council.

    Some of those who spoke include: Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) Bishop Stephen Adegbite, a child disability advocate, Mrs. Mathilda Otitoju, community leaders, among others.

    The governor said: “Over the last five months, Mr. Deputy Governor and I have been working to put a concise plan together for the establishment of an airline, but we did not make the plan open because of the need to get adequate knowledge about the operational procedures of airlines. The business plan is viable and there is no issue about financing. The conversation has gone to an advanced stage but we need to get the proper information on operations before we go ahead to implement the plan.

    “In Lagos West Senatorial District, infrastructure development has been our priority since we came in. Over the last four years, we have completed over 70 kilometres of new roads and over two kilometres of bridges.

    “These include Pen-Cinema Bridge, Ikeja Flyover, and over 42 roads we have completed in Alimosho, Ifako, Agege, Ikeja, Mushin, Amuwo Odofin and Badagry. We also have over 30 ongoing road projects which are at various stages of completion within this district.”

    The governor said the senatorial district was also the major beneficiary of the intra-city railway development projects of his administration, with Lagos West hosting major passenger hubs of Blue Line and Red Line trains.

    He said the new General Hospital being constructed in Ojo axis has reached an advanced stage, adding that its completion would boost access to health care in the district.

    To further enhance security and safety in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said his administration would be releasing additional patrol vehicles and work gadgets to raise surveillance and capacity of security agencies to respond to emerging threats.

    He said: “We are in talks with you, the citizens, today because we believe the government does not know it all. The feedback and inputs we are taking away from here will help us to cater for your needs and wellbeing better.

    “We will strive to make it easier for you to be law-abiding. It is not enough to say the laws must be obeyed, we must also ensure that the laws are clear, fair and just.

    “When people break the law and don’t do the right thing, they make governance a lot more difficult for us. We must discharge our civic responsibility and fulfil our obligations as citizens.

    “When we do this, it reduces the cost of governance and saves resources that will enable us do a lot more. While we appreciate your suggestions, we are also encouraging you to ensure that all citizens do the right thing at all times.”

    The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, likened the town hall parley to the annual general meeting, which offers stakeholders the opportunity to discuss with the leadership.

    Omotoso noted that the move was to engender an all-inclusive government in which citizens would have an input.

    “The conversation continues with the citizens on the Lagos project. Today, Lagos West Senatorial District leads the way; other districts will take their turns of the Town Hall meeting where they will have unfettered discussions with the Governor,” Omotoso said.

  • Airline offers 25% discount for flights from Lagos

    Ethiopian Airlines said yesterday that it  is offering 25 per cent discount on fares to selected destinations from Lagos to all it travel partners.

    The offer, the carrier said, is one of the ways  of appreciating its esteemed customers and in celebration of the Yuletide season,

    According to the airline, sale of the discounted fares had  commence since December 12 to  December 31. Ethiopian Airlines said the activation date for booked tickets by customers will commence next year.

    According to the airline, the selected destinations include Dubai International Airport, Khartoum International Airport, Sudan, Cairo International Airport, Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Hamad International Airport, Doha, Kuwait International Airport, King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and others.

  • Airline, passengers trade words over missed flight

    Ten passengers, who on Tuesday missed their flight to Kano from Lagos are blaming Azman Air Services Ltd (AASL) for their predicament.

    They said the airline’s workers’ “overzealousness” led to the problem.

    But the airline absolved its officials of any wrongdoing.

    The passengers said they got to the counter between 9:35 and 9:40am for the 10am flight. According to the rule, “check-in closes 30 mins before departure” and “boarding gate closes 15 mins before departure.”

    Among the passengers were a journalist, a businessman and some government officials.

    They alleged that an official insisted that they had missed the flight when there was still about 10 minutes left for them to collect their passes and go for boarding.

    One of the passengers reportedly told an official, Bashiru Otaru, that he had “checked-in” online. He said Otaru refused to give him the  already printed boarding pass when he asked for it.

    The official was said to have told the passenger that he should have printed the boarding pass online after completing the check in.

    The passenger said he did it on his phone and as such the pass could not printed.

    Another passenger showed him his printed “checked in” boarding pass, but Otaru still reportedly stopped him from taking the flight.

    They took their complaint to the operations manager, who led them back to Otaru, but he still insisted that they had missed the flight.

    The operations manager reportedly wondered why Otaru behaved that way since the flight was not full.

    The passengers subsequently took their case to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) office where a woman told them that under the law they had missed the flight since they were late for five minutes.

    Their protest against her statement was to no avail.

    Read also: Singer, daughter were violently killed, says pathologist

    After the rescheduling of their flight for 6:45pm and the paying of the N5,000 fine and above for “no show”, three of the passengers returned to the station manager’s office.

    The Station Manager, Kawu Sani Aliyu, told them that Otaru did nothing wrong.

    He said Otaru could have notified him since some of the passengers had urgent engagements that could not wait till the 6:45pm flight.

    “We don’t derive joy in making our passengers miss flights. We try as much as possible to assist them get on board. This particular flight was delayed because we noticed that some people have checked-in and they are not on board. We had to make four announcements,” Aliyu said.

  • Air Peace takes delivery of 6th Embraer jet

    Nigerian carrier, Air Peace has received the last of the six 50-seater Embraer 145 jets it recently acquired to boost its vision of providing seamless flight services on the domestic, regional and international routes.

     

    The airline made the announcement in a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah on Wednesday, in Lagos.

    Iwarah said the aircraft marked 5N-BUW and named Virginia Omeogo Adegoke (Nee Onyema), touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 4am on Tuesday.

     

    He said the airline’s goal of guaranteeing seamless flight operations as well as connecting unserved and underserved routes was fast being fulfilled.

    “We are delighted to announce the arrival of our sixth 50-seater Embraer 145 jet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 4am on Tuesday.

     

    “The arrival of the aircraft has further strengthened our resolve to provide seamless flight services on the domestic, regional and international routes.

    “It will as also extend the reach of our exceptional operations to many more unserved and underserved destinations under our no-city-left-behind project,” Iwarah said.

     

    Read Also: Air Peace receives fifth Embraer regional jet

     

    He said the airline had in February 2018 established a subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper, towards actualising this objective.

    Iwarah said “Since we started this project, the pieces of feedback have been quite encouraging.

     

    “There have been challenges, including delays mostly on account of circumstances bordering on safety and other factors beyond our control.

    “However, we have kept reviewing our schedules and restrategising to ensure the best of flight services for our teeming loyal customers. This has greatly paid off and the delays reduced to the barest minimum.”

     

    According to him, Air Peace was in aviation to create massive job opportunities, connect people and business and leisure destinations and help in growing the economies of Nigeria and other nations.

     

    He noted that the addition of more aircraft to the airline’s fleet would deepen its capacity for travelers during the yuletide.

     

    NAN

     

  • Sirika confirms date for national airline

    The proposed national airline for Nigeria would be unveiled before the end of the year, the Minister of State for Aviation Sen. Hadi Sirika has confirmed.

    Sirika, a former pilot, gave the assurance while receiving the Outline Business Case Certificate of Compliance for the establishment of the airline from Mr Chidi Izuwah, the Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

    The Minister said that the presentation of the Certificate was a testament on how far the project had gone.

    The proposed airline will gulp $8.8million preliminary cost and $300 million as take-off cost.

    The Nigerian government is not fully funding the airline as it has adopted midwifing it via the option of a Public Private partnership, to deliver a national carrier that would stand the test of time and be world class in operation and management.

    According to Sirika, Nigeria will receive the first set of five airplanes for the airliner on 19 December.

    The airline will make profit in three years after operations, he said.

    “We will make the investments and follow the business plan through private sector management.

    “We intend to get a 30 aircraft market in five years. But we will begin with five aircraft on the day of lunch. It was not clear whether an order has been made for the aircraft, but the minister in May met a team from Boeing in Abuja.

    “At Farnborough International Public Airshow coming July 18, 2018 in London, we will unveil the name, logo, colour scheme, the structure and the type of airplane about the national carrier.

    “We will also place the order for the aircraft at the event,” he said.

    Sirika explained that the government would step in to cover the funding gap at the onset and ease out thereafter.

    He said the government would not get involved in the management of the national carrier.

    He said Nigeria’s population of over 180 million people is huge enough to support aviation, adding that the airline would take advantage of Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that the country had with over 70 countries.

    According to him, it will also take advantage of the Africa Single Air Transport Market and will be the best player if the government gets it right.

    “But if we don’t, it will become a threat to us. But I believe we are on the right track.

    The minister also gave an assurance that the national carrier would not kill the domestic airlines operating in the country.

    The Director General of ICRC, Izuwah, said the presentation of the Certificate of Compliance was an official green light to proceed with the procurement process.

    He explained that the government would bring its contribution to kickstart the airline, adding that the amount of equity the partners would hold would determine government contribution.

    According to him, start up cost over the next three years is about $300 million, but pre-start-up is $8.8 million.

    “The rest of the investment will be equity injection which will happen in tranches because you do not need all the monies at once.

    External capital injection also depends on the profitability of the airline.

    “Though, you need that initial government financial to make it take off, but what is important is that the national carrier will be entirely private sector controlled.

    “There will be zero government interference. But if that happens, it invalidates the certificate and the entire process.

    “This is a bankable business, and the government will get a strategic partner who will invest in the national carrier and when we get through the bidding process, more facts will emerge.

    “The government will have to spend the pre-start up cost like the brand name, the office and other start up.

    “ It will be a world class airline with domestic, regional and international operations,” he said.

  • Airline operators fault minister’s claim of N516bn indebtedness

    Airline operators fault minister’s claim of N516bn indebtedness

    Nigerian airline operators have faulted the claim by the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, that they were indebted to aviation agencies and other firms to the tune of N516 billion.

    The Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) , Capt. Nogie Meggisson, told newsmen in Lagos on Sunday that the minister’s claims were unverified.

    Sirika reportedly said that Nigerian airlines were ridden with debts, weak and unable to compete and take advantage of the newly inaugurated Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM).

    Meggison, however, said that the minister was reeling out figures offhand, stressing that he could not prove any of the debts he mentioned.

    The AON chairman said that Nigerian aviation agencies lacked the ability to transparently record their revenues and document accurately the debts owed them by the airlines.

    Meggisson said :“We have always asked them to list the debts. It is easy to call numbers. Let those we owe bring their bills and explain the debts.

    “Although government cannot be held responsible for the operation of privately owned airlines, but the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) is competing with airlines, running two airlines with tax payers’ funds.

    “So we don’t have a level playing ground because AMCON is a competitor, using the taxes we pay to compete with us. When are they going to leave the airline industry?”

    He said accruing of debts was normal in the aviation industry because airline operations was a continuous business and the debts were usually settled between airlines and service providers from time to time.

    “Talking about debts, airline business is not a cash business. ‎You accrue the charges, you are presented a bill and you pay.

    “There is no airline in this world that does not owe,” Meggison said.

    On SAATM, the AON chairman urged the Africa Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) to provide a level playing field by ensuring uniform charges by signatory countries.

    According to him, an airline in Nigeria borrows money at 24 per cent interest rate, pay five per cent to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and also five per cent Value Added Tax (VAT).

    He said these charges are however, waived by government of other countries for their own airlines. (NAN)