Passengers scheduled to fly from Port Harcourt to Lagos were left stranded at the Rivers Airport after Arik Air abruptly canceled their flight, leaving them without alternatives. According to reports, the flight cancellation occurred without prior notice or explanation from the airline.
In viral videos circulating online, frustrated passengers expressed their grievances over the situation. One passenger recounted being asked to pay a staggering N2 million to rebook four tickets after the flight cancellation, with no apology or justification provided by the airline.
“You cancelled the flight yesterday by 11 pm and we are back here by 12:30 pm (today) and you are telling us that nothing will happen,” the passenger stated, expressing frustration at the lack of communication and accountability from Arik Air.
Furthermore, passengers were informed by the airline that it would take a minimum of eight months before they could expect to receive a refund for their disrupted travel plans. This announcement further exacerbated the passengers’ distress and dissatisfaction with Arik Air’s handling of the situation.
“The refund, they say it will take eight months. You cancelled the flight by 11 in the night – no excuse. And you said we should come back by 12:30 and now they said we should wait till 7 pm again,” another passenger lamented.
In a twist of irony, this incident occurred just days after Arik Air proudly announced its recognition as the ‘Best Sustainable Airline of the Year 2024’ by the World Quality Alliance and Quality Standards Journal.
