Ibom Air denies ticket racketeering

Ibom Air has said that allegations of ticket racketeering and poor handling of flight check-ins against some of its officials at its Port Harcourt station are “baseless and unfounded’’

The airline dismissed the allegations in a statement signed by its General Manager, Marketing, and communication, Ms Aniekan Essienette on Monday in Lagos.

“We categorically reject these baseless claims. Our staff members operate with the highest level of integrity and are committed to serving our customers fairly and transparently.

“This commitment is at the core of our operations, and we will continue to ensure that our ticketing process remains transparent,’’ she said.

Essienette used the opportunity to educate passengers and the public on some aviation rules. According to her, the airline operates flight closures by international standards.

“It is our policy, in keeping with international standards that, check-ins close 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights; this ensures timely departures and minimises delays.

“We highly recommend that passengers arrive on time for their flights to make for a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

“We adhere to IATA’s guidelines in handling `Go-show’ passengers. These passengers arrive early without a pre-booked ticket and are duly informed if the flight is full.

“It is strictly their informed decision to be waitlisted as `Go show’ passengers, and they are accommodated only if seats are available after all booked-early, and on-time passengers have been served,’’ she explained.

Go-show passengers according to Google search are “passengers holding a ticket with no reservation, or having confirmed on one flight requests to board another flight on the same segment. Such flight is under stopped-booking status and passenger is accepted if space is available at check-in closure time’’.

Essienette reiterated that Ibom Air operated under strict ethical standards, and its staff members were prohibited from engaging in any form of racketeering or corruption.

“We ensure our ticketing process is transparent and secured, leaving no room for such practices. Any attempt to undermine these standards will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.

“We value your trust in Ibom Air and are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining the highest service standards,’’ she said.

It would be recalled that some passengers alleged ticket racketeering against the Akwa Ibom state-owned carrier as well as corruption by some of its officials and agents handling sales of tickets.

They specifically alleged that airline officials and agents hoarded air tickets, only to sell them to the highest bidders, thereby making the air tickets more expensive.