FCCPC Summons Air Peace Over Canceled Flights and Unpaid Ticket Refunds
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has formally summoned Air Peace Limited to answer questions over multiple consumer complaints about non-refunded ticket fares, even when the airline canceled flights.
In a notice dated June 3, 2025, the FCCPC directed Air Peace to appear before the Commission on Monday, June 23, at its Abuja headquarters. The summons follows a rising wave of public dissatisfaction and reports alleging violations of passenger rights by the airline.
According to a statement issued by FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission believes Air Peace may have breached Sections 130(1)(a), 130(1)(b), and 130(2)(b) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. These sections guarantee customers the right to timely refunds for bookings or reservations not fulfilled due to the service provider’s failure.
“Consumers must not suffer unfair or unjust practices when a service provider cancels flights. They are entitled to immediate refunds,” Ijagwu stated.
The FCCPC has requested several documents from Air Peace, including:
- A log of refund-related complaints from the past 12 months
- Records of processed refunds
- A list of all canceled flights within the last year
- Details of measures taken to support affected passengers
Failure to comply with the summons, as outlined in Section 33(3) of the FCCPA, could result in fines or imprisonment.
The FCCPC’s action coincides with a recent public dispute involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Air Peace. Oshiomhole accused the airline of racketeering after missing a flight he claimed was being manipulated by airline staff. He alleged that passengers were forced to pay an additional ₦109,100 to reschedule, even when they had arrived on time. Air Peace denied this, insisting the senator arrived late, but the issue triggered further criticism of the airline’s treatment of customers.
“Around 20 to 30 passengers were left stranded and pressured to pay extra. We saw staff letting in people who came much later,” Oshiomhole said.
The FCCPC investigation aims to determine whether these practices reflect a systemic issue within Air Peace’s operations and if consumer rights are being routinely violated. The airline is expected to provide comprehensive explanations and documentary proof during the hearing.
