Angry Passenger Narrates Terrifying Experience With Arik Air

That airlines take their passengers for granted and provide less than top quality service is a fact Nigerian air passengers have grudgingly accepted.
There have been several calls for regulations by several stakeholders but it would seem nothing has been done towards sanctioning or disciplining faulting airlines
Passengers are left stranded without much explanation, many times.
While Nigeria has experienced it’s fair share of air disasters, have airlines truly done enough in terms of safety and over all passenger experience?
Many do not think so as indeed an angry passenger with Arik Air narrated a harrowing experience recently.
The passenger who was flying from Port Harcourt to Abuja revealed that Arik flew a faulty plane, returned to base, kept passengers waiting for hours and many actually opted not to continue the journey that night for fear of their lives.

Here is his account of the terrifying experience:

“It was a crazy experience with Arik airlines Wednesday 27th Nov 2019, from 4.50 last flight Port Harcourt to Abuja. After boarding the plane, everyone was happy as we taxied on the tarmac preparing for final air control Ok for take off, that’s when the drama started. As we sat waiting I observed we were the only aircraft waiting, none landed for about 15mins, then the captain raced high to take off, suddenly he was turning around and we came back to the parking bay. “We do apologise we identified a fault in this aircraft we need the engineers to come and have a look immediately”, all passengers should disembark”. Everyone came back to the departure hall wondering what fault was.

After 30mins we were asked to board the plane again that the fault was fixed by the engineers it was now around 7pm, as we boarded the plane this 2nd time, rumours, whispers, doubts, fear, anxiety as we all took our seats. Again the engine revved but the cabin was getting very hot people were complaining that it was getting too hot, but captain said in 5mins the air-conditioning system would be on full blast, but after seating for 25mins even the Christmas goat sweat was too small to bear, then loud accusations were flying from passengers to the cabin crews, as the captain was moving slowly we still noticed the heat increasing then he stopped, doors opened again, we were asked to disembark , Captain said they did not know why the airconditioning was not working, apologies, apologies but they would do all they can to fix it. Now we all bombarded Arik counter at the airport departure hall, demanding refunds, others agitating why the manager was not addressing us while the prayer warriors were ‘kabashing’ seriously.

After an hour, a 3rd announcement for the 3rd boarding into the same aircraft…then my ‘liver’ failed me. Some of us agreed to board, while some refused demanding to stay for the night I was the leader of those who opted to stay.

One thing I noticed was that when the problem started all counter staff started disappearing from all Arik counters, their ticketing office’s bright light was turned off except but for two brave staff who were begging & explaining. Of course if you choose to stay you have to vacate the airport and sort your accomodation yourself and we heard the next day morning flight was full too but some us chose to stay the night.

I spent the night in town and arrived quickly at 6am to queue & fight to be boarded next morning. Some rich dudes just bought another ticket on Aero or Airpeace, me I nor get that kind money so I pursued my dream. Finally we got fresh boarding pass for the morning flight after 3hrs of uncertainty.

Shout out to my comrades in that struggle Dr Mike & that fine babe, especially Osagie who gave me a ride back to town and back next morning. Also to that lovely family with two handsome young boys and a girl including a baby you took the best decision to safeguard your family by staying back.
To the ARIK management and other airlines your nonchalant attitude of no hospitality in such circumstances is obscured. Zero customer services it shows you dont care about your reputation, I can teach your staffs how to manage your reputation in crisis.

It’s my first time to be in such situation in Nigeria, FAAN must ensure all airlines obey their customers rights in every circumstance.