By Francis Ajuonuma
Air Peace Limited has rejected as false and misleading reports claiming it sold tickets to Jamaica and later abandoned passengers in Barbados, insisting the situation arose from visa requirements and voluntary rerouting requests by affected travellers.
Responding to claims that passengers were diverted at short notice and denied refunds, the airline said all tickets were sold in line with international aviation standards and applicable regulations, and that no customer was deceived about their itinerary.
According to Air Peace, routine pre-departure profiling and documentation checks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, revealed that some passengers lacked required transit visas to travel via Antigua to destinations including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago.
The airline said it immediately offered full refunds in compliance with regulatory obligations.
“At no point did Air Peace mislead or deceive any passenger. Once the visa issue was identified, full refunds were promptly offered to all affected travellers,” the airline said.
While some passengers accepted refunds, Air Peace explained that others voluntarily requested to be rerouted through Barbados, a route that does not require Nigerian passport holders to obtain transit visas for onward travel to Jamaica and other destinations.
Acting solely on those requests, the airline facilitated the rerouting of 42 passengers.
“No passenger was forced to travel to Barbados. The rerouting was done strictly at the request of those who preferred that option over a refund,” the statement added.
Air Peace said an unforeseen operational delay caused the flight to arrive in Barbados later than scheduled, resulting in passengers missing onward connections.
The airline operating the connecting flights reportedly declined to honour the existing tickets, leaving the passengers stranded.
The situation was worsened when some travellers were unable to secure hotel accommodation after credit card transactions were declined. Barbados immigration authorities also raised concerns about passengers whose return tickets showed December 31, 2025, despite indications they planned to return to Nigeria months later without proof of alternative travel arrangements.
According to Air Peace, Barbados immigration officials exercised their sovereign authority by assessing passengers individually.
While 67 travellers from the same group were admitted and allowed to continue their journeys, 25 were denied entry—decisions the airline said were entirely outside its control.
“Air Peace did not abandon any passenger. We acted in good faith by offering refunds, facilitating voluntary rerouting, providing on-ground support, and ensuring the safe return of those affected,” the airline said.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, regulatory compliance and customer care, Air Peace urged media organisations to verify facts with relevant stakeholders before publication.
