Air Peace Bows To Pressure, Approves Refunds For Stranded Jamaica-Bound Passengers

Air Peace Limited has confirmed its decision to refund passengers affected by the disruption of its Jamaica-bound flight, following reports that travelers were stranded after a diversion to Barbados. According to Ireporter Online, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) verified that the airline has agreed to compensate all impacted passengers.

The confirmation was made by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, who disclosed the development via a post on his verified X account on Friday. The clarification comes amid public reactions to claims that Air Peace sold tickets for direct flights to Kingston, Jamaica, but diverted passengers to Barbados without prior notice.

However, Air Peace has strongly denied the allegations, describing the reports as misleading and inaccurate. The airline maintained that it did not engage in deceptive practices and that all ticket sales complied with international aviation standards and global airline sales regulations.

Some passengers had alleged that they purchased tickets for a Lagos-to-Kingston route, only to be informed at the airport that the flight would no longer operate directly to Jamaica. The flight in question departed Lagos on December 21, 2025.

In a detailed statement issued by its management, Air Peace explained that during pre-departure checks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, it was discovered that some passengers lacked the necessary transit visas required to travel through Antigua to their final destinations, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago.

The airline stated that affected passengers were immediately offered full refunds, which several accepted. Others, it added, voluntarily requested to be rerouted through Barbados, a route that does not require transit visas for Nigerian passport holders. Air Peace noted that the rerouting was carried out strictly at the request of the passengers involved.

According to the airline, a total of 42 passengers expressly consented to the Barbados transit option, stressing that no traveler was forced or coerced into the arrangement. The company reiterated its commitment to passenger welfare and regulatory compliance.