Aviation minister vows to protect Nigerians from foreign airlines’ shabby treatment

Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, has vowed to protect Nigerians from any scornful treatment by foreign airlines operating in the company.

Sirika gave the assurance Saturday in Abuja via a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu.

The minister urged other airline operators in Nigeria to follow the example of the recent Turkish Airline experience.

He stated: “Following the threat by the nation’s aviation regulators to ban its operations in Nigeria, Turkish Airlines last night flew into Abuja with a bigger aircraft A330 as against the usual smaller B737.

“Officials of the airline, alarmed by the prospect of losing their Nigerian market, had rushed into a meeting with the Nigerian authorities to pledge total commitment.”

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The Turkish airline action came following an announcement by the government that it was suspending their operations in the country for treating Nigerians with disdain.

Sirika further disclosed the airline had tried to meet the conditions given to it in a bid to continue its operations in Nigeria.

The minister said Turkish Airlines had a bad name for treating Nigerian passengers with contempt.

According to him, the airline’s attitude had been responsible for security issues at the airports, giving rise to complaints from affected travellers.

He noted Turkish Airlines’ dedication to improving its treatment of Nigerian passengers by operating a bigger and more comfortable aircraft.

He assured Nigerians of improved air experience in light of the aviation sector’s march towards transformation in the years ahead with the execution of the stakeholder-developed roadmap.

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