No passengers stranded at Port Harcourt Airport, Arik Air clarifies
In response to recent allegations circulated by Sahara Reporters, Arik Air has issued a press statement to provide clarity regarding the purported stranding of passengers at Port Harcourt Airport.
In a statement signed by Mr Ola Adebanji, Arik Air’s PR and Communications Manager, the airline asserted that no passengers were left stranded and outlined the events leading to flight cancellations on March 2, 2024.
The airline said on the evening of Tuesday, March 2, Arik Air’s flight W3 744 traveling from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to make an air return due to adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the Port Harcourt area.
Consequently, both the Lagos-Port Harcourt (W3 744) and Port Harcourt-Lagos (W3 745) flights had to be canceled.
The airline explained that at the time of the cancellation, banking facilities at the airport had ceased operations, making funds inaccessible.
However, passengers were promptly briefed on the situation and advised to return the following day for re-protection on available flights.
On Wednesday, March 3, 2024, all affected passengers from both Lagos and Port Harcourt were successfully accommodated on available morning and evening flights.
Arik Air emphasised that despite claims made by Sahara Reporters, no passengers were left stranded at Port Harcourt Airport.
The airline suggested that the video footage in question likely captured a moment of agitation among some passengers.
Arik Air reiterated its commitment to prioritising safety, stating that despite operating modern aircraft, the airline maintains a strict policy to avoid flying in inclement weather conditions. This policy was cited as the reason for the cancellation of the affected flight.
The airline extended sincere apologies to valued customers whose travel plans were disrupted by the unforeseen circumstance.
The clarification provided by Arik Air aims to address any misconceptions regarding the events at Port Harcourt Airport and reaffirms the airline’s commitment to passenger safety and satisfaction.
The statement: “We are aware of a recent video/story circulated by Sahara Reporters alleging that passengers were left stranded at the Port Harcourt Airport under our care. It is imperative that we provide clarity on this matter to rectify any misconceptions.
“In the evening of Tuesday, March 2, 2024, our flight W3 744 Lagos-Port Harcourt was compelled to make an air return due to adverse weather conditions, specifically heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Port Harcourt.
“Consequently, both the Lagos-Port Harcourt (W3 744) and Port Harcourt – Lagos (W3 745) flights had to be cancelled.
“It is crucial to note that by the time of the cancellation, our banking facilities at the airport had ceased operations, rendering funds unfeasible at that moment.
“However, the passengers were promptly briefed on the situation and advised to return the following day for re-protection on available flights.
“On Wednesday, March 3, 2024 all the affected passengers from both Lagos and Port Harcourt were successfully accommodated on available morning and evening flights.
“Contrary to Sahara Reporters’ claim, no single passenger was left stranded at Port Harcourt Airport. The video footage in question likely captured a moment of agitation among some passengers.
“We emphasise that at Arik Air, safety is our foremost priority. Despite operating modern aircraft, we maintain a strict policy to avoid flying in inclement weather conditions, which necessitated the cancellation of the affected flight.
“We extend our sincere apologies to our valued customers whose travel plans were disrupted by this unforeseen circumstance.”
