AON berates Oshiomole’s airport conduct, says unruly passenger must face the law
BY CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO
Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has condemned the conduct of former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, where he was allegedly prevented other passengers from boarding following his inability to catch up with his flight
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, AON spokesperson, who condemned that act exhibited by the Senator, said his attitude was unacceptable and an act of the growing trend of unruly passenger behaviour experienced by domestic carriers.
Okonkwo noted that he had earlier in the year warned that the greatest threat to domestic airline survival was unruly passengers and expressed sadness that it has continued to be on the increase
According to the AON spokesperson, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has refused to issue any statement to inform the public from their CCTV what transpired.
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“We are not happy that, as of today, FAAN has not given its version. We, the airline operators, are watching to see what will happen, and we don’t think there should be rules set differently for high people and low people. As an unruly passenger, the person will have to face the law”
He said there was no amount of disappointment, if at all, from any airline that would give passengers the right to self-help help
“So, what you saw was a typical case of unruly behaviour. It is not acceptable. Airlines deserve respect, there are people’s investments, and you don’t have to use a simple issue of whether you are late or not and start demonising an airline”
“As AON, we have looked at all the things and we did not see any logic in the things he said. There is no airline that will not want to carry its passengers”.
Okonkwo said the AON has plans to take action against Oshiomole as they were in touch with Air Peace over the issue, but were waiting to get feedback from the government, as there were interventions ongoing.
