The Federal Government, through its Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has summoned the management of Air Peace, following multiple complaints from passengers regarding non-refunded ticket fares, even in cases where the airline cancelled scheduled flights.
The agency noted that the invitation was to clear the air on the allegations made against the firm by its passengers across the country.
Air Peace’s invitation came amid a face-off between the firm and the lawmaker representing Edo state at the Senate and former governor, Adam Oshiomhole.
FCCPC, announced the invitation through a statement released and made available to newsmen by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Monday.
According to the statement, “These actions potentially contravene Sections 130(1)(a) and (b), and 130(2)(b) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which expressly guarantee consumers the right to timely refunds where advance bookings, reservations, or orders are unfulfilled due to service-provider’s failure.
“This provision enshrines the principle of fair dealing and safeguards consumers against unfair, unjust, or unreasonable practices by service providers.
“In a formal summons dated June 13, 2025, the Commission, invoking Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, requires Air Peace to appear before the Commission at its Abuja Headquarters on Monday, June 23, 2025.
“Specifically, Section 33(3) of the FCCPA mandates compliance, and failure attracts severe sanctions, including fines or imprisonment.
“The airline is further directed to produce documentary evidence including complaint log for refunds over the past twelve (12) months, total records of processed refunds to date, list of cancelled flights on all routes within the past twelve (12) months, and remedial actions taken to mitigate consumer hardship resulting from cancelled flights.
“Earlier in December 2024, the FCCPC had commenced inquiries into separate allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including substantial price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes by Air Peace.
“In response, the airline instituted legal proceedings seeking to restrain the Commission from continuing its inquiry. This is an entirely different matter.
“The FCCPC remains committed to enforcing the provisions of the FCCPA (2018) and holding service providers accountable and ensuring that consumers, including airline passengers, are protected from exploitative or unfair market practices”.
