Ibom Air denies ticket racketeering allegation

Mon, Aug 12, 2024
By editor
3 MIN READ

Business

IBOM has said that allegations of ticket racketeering and poor handling of flight check-ins against some of its officials at its Port Harcourt station are “baseless and unfounded’’

The airline dismissed the allegations in a statement signed by its General Manager, Marketing, and communication, Ms Aniekan Essienette on Monday in Lagos.

“We categorically reject these baseless claims. Our staff members operate with the highest level of integrity and are committed to serving our customers fairly and transparently.

“This commitment is at the core of our operations, and we will continue to ensure that our ticketing process remains transparent,’’ she said.

Essienette used the opportunity to educate passengers and the public on some aviation rules.

According to her, the airline operates flight closures in accordance with international standards.

“It is our policy, in keeping with international standards that, check-ins close 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights; this ensures timely departures and minimises delays.

“We highly recommend that passengers arrive on time for their flights to make for a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

“We adhere to IATA’s guidelines in handling `Go-show’ passengers. These passengers arrive early without a pre-booked ticket and are duly informed if the flight is full.

“It is strictly their informed decision to be waitlisted as `Go show’ passengers, and they are accommodated only if seats are available after all booked-early, and on-time passengers have been served,’’ she explained.

Go-show passenger according to Google search are “passengers holding a ticket with no reservation, or having confirmed on one flight requests to board another flight on the same segment. Such flight is under stopped-booking status and passenger is accepted if space available at check-in closure time’’.

Essienette reiterated that Ibom Air operated under strict ethical standards, and its staff members were prohibited from engaging in any form of racketeering or corruption.

“We ensure our ticketing process is transparent and secured, leaving no room for such practices. Any attempt to undermine these standards will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.

“We value your trust in Ibom Air and are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining the highest service standards,’’ she said.

It would be recalled that some passengers alleged tickets racketeering against the Akwa Ibom state-owned carrier as well as corruption by some of its officials and agents handling sales of tickets.

They specifically alleged the airline officials and agents of hoarding air tickets, only to sell them to the highest bidders, thereby making the air tickets more expensive. (NAN) 

A.I

Aug. 12, 2024

Tags:


#CustomerServiceWeek2024: Unity Bank’s boss reaffirms commitment to going above and beyond

THE Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank Plc, Tomi Somefun, has commended the lender’s frontline staff for effectively translating its Customer...

Read More
Why we listed N4.34bn shares on NGX – Aradel Holdings 

ARADEL Holdings Plc, on Monday, said it listed on the Main Board of the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.(NGX) to leverage the...

Read More
Customs extends verification exercise for private aircraft

THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has extended its verification exercise for the recovery of import duties on illegally imported private...

Read More