Nigeria: Aviation Minister demands respect for Nigerian passengers from Turkish Airlines
Nigeria’s Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has emphasised the need for Turkish Airlines to consistently respect Nigerian passengers.
In a statement signed by Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo made this demand during a critical meeting with a high-level delegation from Turkish Airlines in Abuja recently.
The meeting was aimed at addressing concerns about passenger treatment and to enhance the cooperation between the airline and Nigeria.
Leading the Turkish Airlines delegation was Hilemet Mesut Turkseven, Vice President in Charge of Africa, who was accompanied by Lokman Balkan, General Manager for Lagos; Akin Carleal, General Manager for Abuja; and Imdat Karakoc, the Turkish embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission.
Minister Keyamo highlighted several reported instances of disrespect towards Nigerian passengers, insisting on the importance of maintaining high standards of customer service and dignity.
He stressed that Turkish Airlines must ensure that all Nigerian passengers are treated with the utmost respect during their flights.
The delegation conveyed greetings from their CEO, Bilal Eksi, and expressed gratitude for the Minister’s intervention during recent union actions that had disrupted operations.
Vice President Turkseven thanked the Minister for his support, reiterating Turkish Airlines’ commitment to Nigeria. He noted the airline’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria, spanning 18 years since commencing operations in 2006.
Turkseven emphasized the significant support from Nigerian passengers and reaffirmed the airline’s dedication to working closely with the Nigerian government to foster further growth.
In response, Minister Keyamo assured the delegation that there would be no further disruptions to their operations, as the issue is currently before an industrial court.
However, the Minister critiqued the airline’s communication strategy during the union actions, pointing to the Country Manager’s attitude as a problem. He advised Turkish Airlines to improve their communication to avoid further misunderstandings.
Minister Keyamo made three specific demands to the Turkish Airlines team, which include upgrade of aircraft used for flights to Nigeria; resolve transit visa issues causing Nigerians to be stranded in Istanbul; and support for local caterers by serving Nigerian cuisine on return journeys.
Imdat Karakoc, Deputy Chief of Mission, assured the Minister that he would discuss these issues with Turkish authorities and promised necessary adjustments.
He committed to improving the quality of aircraft used, despite noting that the current fleet is not specifically targeted against Nigeria.
The meeting was a significant step towards improving the relationship between Turkish Airlines and the Nigerian aviation community, ensuring better service and mutual respect for all passengers.
