Air Peace has rejected claims by Senator Adams Oshiomhole accusing the airline of extorting passengers and overbooking flights, describing the allegations as “deliberate falsehood.”
In a statement released on Thursday, Air Peace management said no tickets were sold after check-in closure for the flight in question and that the aircraft departed with over 30 empty seats. The airline challenged Oshiomhole to provide evidence of any passenger being extorted, insisting that all passengers who flew had purchased their tickets before check-in closed.
The airline further accused the senator of arriving late and causing disruptions at the airport, including jumping on the baggage conveyor belt and blocking terminal access. Air Peace called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release CCTV footage to clarify the events.
Senator Oshiomhole, however, maintained that he and about 20 to 30 other passengers missed their flight despite timely check-in and online boarding passes. He alleged that the airline overbooked the flight and sold tickets at higher prices at the counter, disadvantaging those who booked earlier. The senator also described the situation at the airport as chaotic and accused Air Peace of racketeering.
The senator said he refused special treatment offered by the airline and highlighted the financial burden caused by unplanned hotel expenses for himself and a visiting delegation.
