Arik explains why it cancelled Lagos-Port Harcourt flight

Sade Williams/Business a.m.

The management of Arik Air has explained that its passengers were not deliberately left stranded at Port Harcourt airport recently, but that bad weather meant that the flight had to be cancelled.

The airline said it was reacting to a recent video/story circulated by an online medium alleging that passengers were left stranded at the Port Harcourt Airport under its care.

While clarifying the circumstances that led to the cancellation, it said, “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,” it said.

The airline explained further that on Wednesday, March 3, 2024 all the affected passengers from both Lagos and Port Harcourt were successfully accommodated on available morning and evening flights.

It added that contrary to the 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,” it added.