The Director, Strategic Planning and Research Department of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr Rotimi Babatunde Anifowoshe, has demanded N10.18 million in compensation and damages from Arik Air over the alleged cancellation of a scheduled Abuja to Lagos flight without prior notice, escalating the dispute to both the airline and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

According to documents obtained by our correspondent, legal representatives of Mr Anifowose Olurotimi Babatunde issued separate petitions to Arik Air and the NCAA following the cancellation of Flight Q3 721 scheduled to depart Abuja for Lagos at 8:35 a.m. on May 21, 2026.

The passenger, through his lawyers, S.I. Salami & Co., claimed he purchased an economy class ticket through travel agency Tramango Limited on May 20 for N147,109 and was issued a boarding pass for Seat 21C.

The petition stated that the passenger arrived at the airport at about 7:45 a.m. on the day of departure only to discover that the flight had been cancelled.

According to the complaint, neither the passenger nor the travel agency received prior notification of the cancellation, which the claimant argues violated provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations governing passenger rights.

The passenger alleged that the cancellation caused him to miss a business meeting scheduled for 11:00 a.m. in Lagos, resulting in financial losses estimated at N10 million, alongside transportation expenses, lost time, and reputational damage.

In the demand letter addressed to the Managing Director of Arik Air, the claimant’s solicitors argued that the purchase of the ticket and issuance of a boarding pass constituted a binding contract of carriage between the airline and the passenger.

The lawyers maintained that the cancellation amounted to a breach of contract and a violation of passenger protection provisions contained in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.

They further contended that airlines are required to notify passengers of domestic flight cancellations at least 24 hours before departure and provide compensation, refunds, and assistance where applicable.

Consequently, the claimant is demanding N36,777.25 as statutory compensation, representing 25 per cent of the ticket fare, a full refund of the N147,109 ticket cost, and N10 million as general and special damages arising from the alleged losses suffered. The total claim stands at N10,183,886.25.

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The legal team also requested a formal written apology from the airline.

In a separate petition submitted to the Consumer Protection Directorate of the NCAA, the passenger urged the aviation regulator to intervene and compel Arik Air to comply with the compensation and refund demands.

The petition requested the NCAA to investigate the circumstances surrounding the cancellation and ensure enforcement of applicable passenger rights provisions.

The claimant’s lawyers gave Arik Air seven days to respond to the demand and settle the claims, warning that failure to do so would result in legal action before the Federal High Court seeking damages for breach of contract, negligence, and enforcement of statutory rights.

As of the time of filing this report, Arik Air had not issued a public response to the allegations. (TRIBUNE)