Air Peace Denies ‘Dumping’ Passengers in Barbados, Blames Visa Issues, Missed Connections
Air Peace Limited has firmly dismissed allegations that it sold tickets to Jamaica and subsequently abandoned passengers in Barbados, describing the claims as misleading, inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the facts surrounding the incident.
In a detailed statement issued by its management, the Nigerian airline clarified that all tickets sold for the affected flights were issued in line with international airline sales practices and applicable aviation regulations, stressing that no passenger was deceived or deliberately misled about their travel arrangements.
According to Air Peace, the situation arose during routine pre-departure profiling and documentation checks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, when it was discovered that some passengers did not possess the required transit visas to travel through Antigua en route to their final destinations, which included Jamaica as well as Trinidad and Tobago.
The airline said that, in compliance with regulatory requirements, it immediately offered full refunds to the affected passengers.
While some accepted the refunds, others voluntarily requested to be rerouted through Barbados, citing the fact that Nigerian passport holders do not require transit visas to travel through Barbados to Jamaica and other destinations.
Air Peace stated that it merely facilitated this alternative routing at the passengers’ express request.
“In total, 42 passengers freely and expressly had their tickets rerouted through Barbados to their final destinations,” the airline said, adding that no passenger was forced, coerced or compelled to travel to Barbados.
However, Air Peace explained that an unforeseen operational delay resulted in the passengers arriving in Barbados later than scheduled, causing them to miss their onward connections.
Compounding the situation, the airline with which the passengers intended to continue their journeys reportedly declined to honour the onward tickets, leaving the affected travellers stranded in Barbados.
Further challenges arose during the passengers’ interaction with Barbadian immigration authorities. Air Peace disclosed that some passengers attempting to secure hotel accommodation had their credit card transactions declined, meaning there was no proof of confirmed lodging for their stay.
Additionally, concerns were raised about passengers whose return tickets were dated December 31, 2025, but who indicated intentions to return to Nigeria months later without any alternative travel arrangements.
“These issues were considered unacceptable by the Barbados immigration authorities,” Air Peace said, noting that the authorities exercised their sovereign right to assess each passenger individually on a case-by-case basis – a process beyond the airline’s control or obligation.
The airline revealed that out of the group, 67 passengers were granted entry into Barbados and allowed to proceed with their journeys, while 25 were denied entry due to the concerns raised by immigration officials.
Reiterating its position, Air Peace insisted that it did not abandon or deliberately inconvenience any passenger, emphasising that it acted responsibly and transparently throughout the process by offering refunds, facilitating voluntary rerouting, providing on-ground assistance and ensuring the safe return of affected passengers.
Air Peace also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, regulatory compliance and customer care, while urging media organisations to practise responsible journalism by verifying facts with relevant stakeholders before publishing reports that could misinform the public.
The airline said it remains open to further engagement with the media through its Corporate Communications Department.
