Nigerian airline Air Peace Limited has strongly refuted claims that it sold tickets to Jamaica and subsequently “dumped” passengers in Barbados, describing such reports as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement released on Monday, the airline stressed that all tickets were sold in strict compliance with international aviation regulations. “At no point did the airline engage in deceptive sales or intentionally mislead any passenger regarding their travel arrangements,” it said.
Air Peace explained that during routine pre-departure checks at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, some passengers were found not to possess the required transit visas for travel via Antigua to their final destinations, including Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. In line with aviation rules, the airline immediately offered full refunds to the affected passengers.
While some accepted refunds, others voluntarily requested rerouting through Barbados, where Nigerian passport holders do not require transit visas to continue to Jamaica and other destinations. Based on this request, Air Peace facilitated rerouting for 42 passengers.
“No passenger was forced, coerced, or compelled to travel to Barbados,” the airline emphasised.
An operational delay, however, caused some passengers to arrive in Barbados later than scheduled, resulting in missed onward connections. Air Peace said the refusal of the onward airline to accommodate the passengers left them temporarily stranded. Some passengers also faced difficulties securing hotel accommodation due to declined credit card transactions, and Barbados immigration raised concerns over the intended length of their stays.
Of the affected group, 67 passengers were granted entry and allowed to continue their journeys, while 25 were denied entry following immigration assessments. Air Peace reiterated that it acted responsibly by offering refunds, facilitating voluntary rerouting, providing on-ground assistance, and ensuring the safe return of passengers.
The airline concluded by reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, regulatory compliance, and customer care, urging media organisations to verify facts before publishing reports.