The drama, which unfolded at the Lagos domestic terminal, was triggered by what Oshiomhole termed as “a clear case of commercial exploitation,” after passengers, including himself, were denied boarding despite having checked in online for the airline’s early morning flight to Abuja.
In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, the former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President explained that he had booked a 6:30 a.m. flight and completed his online check-in, yet was told at the terminal that boarding had closed when he arrived at 6:05 a.m.
“They told me the counter was closed. I told them, ‘No, I’ve already checked in.’ I showed them my online check-in confirmation. But they insisted boarding had ended, while I observed them still allowing others to board. Meanwhile, the plane was still on the tarmac,” he recounted.
According to him, the chaotic situation was not unique to him. He said dozens of other passengers who had checked in on time were also barred from boarding, only to witness tickets being resold at inflated prices to new buyers.
