Air Peace has strongly refuted allegations made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, branding his claims as false and damaging to the airline’s reputation.
The senator, who represents Edo North, reportedly caused a disruption at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Wednesday after missing a scheduled flight to Abuja.
Following the incident, Oshiomhole accused Air Peace of denying boarding to passengers who had already checked in online and of selling tickets on the spot at inflated prices.
Responding in a statement later that day, the airline dismissed the senator’s assertions as unfounded, insisting that no such extortion occurred.
Air Peace further challenged Oshiomhole to present any evidence to back his claims.
“The statements made by Senator Oshiomhole are completely false,” the airline said.
“We invite him to name a single passenger who was allegedly extorted. Every ticket was issued prior to the close of check-in, and no one was asked to pay extra after that point.”
Contrary to the senator’s claim of an overbooked flight, Air Peace stated that the aircraft departed with over 30 empty seats.
“It would have been in our interest to accommodate him and others who arrived late, but we remain committed to our strict on-time departure standards rather than compromising for profit,” the statement read.
The airline also described the lawmaker’s conduct as disruptive. According to Air Peace, Oshiomhole blocked access to the terminal, climbed onto the baggage belt, and prevented check-in for other passengers, all while encouraging others to confront the airline’s staff.
“This wasn’t about fighting for other travelers,” the airline added. “He arrived late and reacted poorly when informed he had missed the flight. His actions created chaos and were inappropriate.”
Air Peace urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to make public CCTV footage from the terminal to clarify what transpired.
Concluding its statement, the airline called Oshiomhole’s behavior “regrettable and unbecoming of a public official,” and warned that his unfounded accusations could seriously damage its public image.
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