Achimugu stated in a post on his official X handle on Thursday that anyone who turns up after check-in has closed or does not turn up at all is considered a “no-show”.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, has taken a swipe at Senator Adams Oshiomhole amid the controversy over the former Edo State governor’s disruption at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) in Lagos on Wednesday morning after arriving late for his flight to Abuja.Nigerian cultural tours
Achimugu stated in a post on his official X handle on Thursday that anyone who turns up after check-in has closed or does not turn up at all is considered a “no-show”.
Oshiomhole had criticised Air Peace for denying him access to board a scheduled flight to Abuja despite completing the online check-in process ahead of time
Addressing journalists during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday evening, Oshiomhole expressed frustration over what he described as unprofessional conduct by airline staff at the airport.Investigative journalism courses.
He alleged that, although he had checked in online for a 6:30 a.m. flight along with two Ghanaian colleagues, he was barred from boarding upon arrival at the terminal shortly after 6:00 a.m.
According to Oshiomhole, Air Peace staff informed him that the boarding gate had been closed, even though he had no luggage and had presented evidence of his check-in.
He claimed that, during the encounter, he observed staff admitting other passengers while preventing him and others who had valid bookings from boarding.
The former Edo State governor further alleged that airline staff took advantage of the situation to exploit stranded passengers by selling tickets at inflated rates.
Reacting to the issue, Achimugu wrote, “I need to make this clear; all over the world, overbooking is allowed. Airlines are allowed to overbook in anticipation that some passengers will not turn up for the flight. This is a global aviation practice.
“Passengers who turn up AFTER check-in has closed or do not turn up at all are considered no-show. They may be considered for the next flight, subject to availability of seats and meeting the airline’s conditions like payment of no-show fees if applicable, etc.
“Have you ever been on an international flight where the airline asks for volunteers to give up their seats in return for hotel accommodation and some money, and then fly them the next day? Why do you think those offers are made? Overbooking.”
In another post, he wrote: “When you purchase an air ticket, it is a contract between you and the airline. You should know that terms and conditions apply and try to browse through if you can’t read up everything.
“It is a service that you owe yourself.
“Aviation is not molue. It is not run on vibes. An alarming number of cases are issues where simply reading up would have helped to avoid certain unsavoury situations.”
“If your flight departs at 0630hrs and you stroll into the airport at 0612, you are late,” he further stated.
On Wednesday, SaharaReporters reported that in an arrogant display of political privilege and disregard for public convenience, Oshiomhole—former Edo State governor and current senator for Edo North—forced the closure of the Zulu Terminal at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos after arriving late for his flight to Abuja.
Bellnews gathered from credible sources at the airport that Oshiomhole blocked the entrance to the Zulu Terminal after arriving well past the scheduled departure time of his flight.
Oshiomhole was scheduled to travel on an early morning Air Peace flight. His departure time for the flight to Abuja was 6:30 a.m.
Sources at the airport said the senator blocked the entrance to the terminal entirely, refusing to budge despite multiple pleas from the terminal manager.
Confirming the development, Air Peace, in a strongly worded statement, condemned the unruly behaviour of Oshiomhole.
“Upon being informed of the missed flight, the politician resorted to violence, physically assaulting our staff and forcefully barricading the terminal’s entrance,” the airline said on Wednesday.
“He went as far as sealing the entry gate and manning the access point, effectively obstructing other passengers from gaining entry into the terminal.”
“This unacceptable behaviour caused significant disruption to ongoing operations and affected numerous travellers scheduled for various flights,” the statement added.