Anthony Iyasele, a Nigerian lawyer, has filed a formal complaint with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) against Air Peace Limited, a major domestic airline, alleging numerous violations of his rights as a passenger.
In his complaint letter dated October 23, 2024, Iyasele claims he was scheduled to fly on Air Peace Flight No. 7428 from Lagos to Abuja on August 29, 2024, with a scheduled departure time of 13:45. Iyasele says he arrived at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos at exactly 12:45, which he contends was in compliance with Air Peace’s stated requirement that passengers check-in not later than 45 minutes before departure.
However, upon presenting his e-ticket at the check-in counter, Iyasele alleges he was denied boarding by airline staff who claimed he was late and that the aircraft had already departed. After pleading with the staff, Iyasele says he was told to wait for a supervisor, and then directed to wait for the next flight at 16:00.
According to the complaint, airline staff, particularly one Mr. Chinedu, then engaged in a pattern of deception – repeatedly instructing Iyasele to wait for later flights, and then denying him boarding on the grounds that those subsequent flights were full. Iyasele notes that during this time he observed other passengers successfully purchasing tickets and checking in for the same Abuja-bound route.
Iyasele was eventually allowed to board a flight that evening, but only after being required to pay an additional ₦30,100, for which he provided a bank receipt. He says the flight landed in Abuja late at night, causing him to miss important scheduled appointments in the capital.
Beyond the inconvenience, Iyasele alleges he experienced “trauma, humiliation and oppression” as well as physical distress in the form of hunger and a hypoglycemic episodes as a result of the extended wait. His complaint accuses Air Peace of gross abuse of his rights as a passenger under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations of 2023.
As redress, the lawyer is demanding a written apology from Air Peace within seven days and monetary compensation to the amount of ₦5,000,000. He has indicated he will pursue further legal action if the airline does not meet these demands.
In its response dated September 30, 2024, Air Peace characterized its eventual accommodation of Iyasele on a later flight as a gesture of goodwill and an effort to “pacify” the disgruntled passenger. The airline denied any wrongdoing or liability.
The case has been escalated to the Director of Consumer Protection at the NCAA for review and adjudication.