Frustrated Passengers Speak Out Against United Nigeria Airlines Over Very Poor Handling of Passengers At Owerri Airport
Nigerian air travelers have been disrespected and exploited for far too long, with airlines like United Nigeria Airlines demonstrating a blatant disregard for customer well-being. In a society that values accountability, such airlines would face severe consequences, including lawsuits, for their egregious customer service failures.
I'm reporting live from Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri, where passengers with confirmed tickets on United Nigeria Airlines have been left stranded for hours without any update from the airline. Despite checking in over four hours ago, travelers bound for Abuja and Lagos remain stuck in the departure lounge, with no information on their expected departure time. My own flight to Abuja, scheduled to depart at 8:45, has been delayed indefinitely, with no communication from the airline as of 11:30.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) must fulfill its regulatory mandate by cracking down on subpar airlines like United Nigeria Airlines. It is imperative that the NCAA ensures these airlines do not continue to operate with blatant disregard for industry standards and customer welfare, and instead, holds them accountable for their incompetence.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has a critical role to play in safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers. It must take a firm stance against the appalling practices exhibited by companies like United Nigeria Airlines, which demonstrate a blatant disregard for customer welfare. The FCCPC should impose severe sanctions on such entities to serve as a deterrent. For far too long, Nigerians have been exploited by unscrupulous and inept companies like United Nigeria Airlines, and it is time for regulatory bodies to hold them accountable.
Tensions are escalating at the Owerri airport departure hall, with the situation threatening to spiral out of control. Passengers booked on flights to Lagos and Abuja are now demanding full cash refunds and adequate compensation, refusing to back down.