By Matthew Denis
Some passengers of Arik Air to Abuja, were on Friday stranded at the Ilorin International Airport, due to inability of the airline to airlift them as scheduled.
The passenger numbering about 50 had their flight delayed for 5 hours by the airline.
Pilot Aviation learnt that the flight was delayed as a result of operational hitches experienced by the airline.
The flight which was scheduled for 5pm was delayed till 10:32pm when the passengers were eventually airlifted.
Some of the passengers were seen complaining over the development before the aircraft will airlift them landed at the airport at 9:40pm.
One of the passengers who simply identified himself as Daniel expressed frustration over the delay.
Speaking to this medium he decried what he described as insensitivity of the airline to their plight, noting that in developed climes they would be adequately compensated for the flight delay.
He said, ” The annoying thing is that officials of the airline did not deem it necessary to explain to us (passengers) reason for the delay. It is really sad.”
Another passenger, Mr. Kareem Usman who spoke to this medium stated that the country is yet to get it right in the aviation sector.
According to him, there should be stiffer penalties for airline operators in the country to prevent incessant flight cancellations and delays.
“It is quite unfortunate that we have not gotten it right in the country’s aviation sector. I have been here at the airport since 12pm for checking in and other necessary arrangements concerning my flight. And it is almost 10pm and we are yet to be airlifted. What an experience!”
A source at the airport who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity because he is not unauthorised to speak to the press pointed out that Arik Air strictly comply with flight schedules on Ilorin route.
“It is unusual for Arik Air to delay flights. It has always been prompt in its schedules,”the source noted.
Several efforts to get Arik Air ’s spokesperson, Mr. Banji Ola to react to the development proved abortive as calls to his mobile lines did not connect, at the time of filing this report.
