CHUKS OKOH
Airline Operators of Nigeria, (AON), has condemned the conduct of former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, where he was allegedly prevented other passengers from boarding following his inability to catch up with his flight
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, AON spokesperson who condemned that act exhibited by the Senator said his attitude was unacceptable and an act of the growing trend of unruly passenger behaviour experienced by domestic carriers.
Okonkwo noted that he had earlier in the year warned that the greatest threat to domestic airline survival was unruly passengers and expressed sadness that in has continued to be on the increase
According to the AON spokesperson, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has refused to issue any statement to inform the public from their CCTV what actually transpired.
“We are really not happy that as at today, FAAN has not given it’s own version. We the airline operators are watching to see what will happen and we don’t think there should be rules set doffently for high people and low people. As an unruly passenger, the person will have to face the law”
He said there was no amount of any disappointment if at all from any airline that will give passenger the right to self help
“So, what you saw was a typical case of unruly behavior. It is not acceptable. Airlines deserve respect, there are people investment and you don’t have to use a simple issue of whether you are late or not and start demonising an airline”
“As AON, we have looked all the things and we did not see any logic in the things he said. There is no airline who will not want to carry it’s passengers”
Okonkwo said the AON has plans to take action against Oshiomole as they were in touch with Air Peace over the issue but waiting to get feedback from the government as there were interventions on going .