Flight schedule: Oshiomhole, Air Peace clash disrupts passenger traffic at Lagos Airport

…I did not disrupt Air Peace flight operations — Oshiomhole

A heated confrontation between Nigerian Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Air Peace disrupted passenger movement at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, following a dispute over a missed flight.

The clash, which occurred at Terminal 1, saw tensions escalate after the senator was denied boarding, leading to significant delays and operational challenges for the airline and other travellers.

Air Peace publicly criticised Nigerian Senator Adams Oshiomhole for allegedly causing disruption at Terminal 1 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after he missed a scheduled flight on Wednesday morning.

In a statement released by the airline’s management, it claimed the senator arrived at the Zulu Hall section of Terminal 1 around 6:10 AM, approximately 20 minutes after the cut-off for his 6:30 AM flight to Abuja, and was subsequently denied boarding in accordance with standard departure procedures.

“Air Peace strongly condemns the disorderly behaviour of a well-known Nigerian political figure who interfered with airport operations on the morning of Wednesday, June 11, 2025,” the airline said.

The statement continued: “The individual in question arrived late for Flight P47120 from Lagos to Abuja. In line with our on-time departure policy, boarding had already closed, and the flight departed as scheduled.”

Air Peace went on to allege that, upon being informed of the missed flight, Mr Oshiomhole became aggressive, allegedly assaulted airline staff and physically blocked the terminal entrance, preventing other passengers from accessing the facility.

“He went as far as shutting the entry gate and stationing himself at the access point, thereby obstructing the flow of passengers into the terminal,” the airline reported.

The airline described the senator’s actions as “unacceptable”, adding that the incident severely disrupted operations and impacted numerous travellers with scheduled flights.

In response, Air Peace said it swiftly enacted a contingency plan, rerouting affected passengers through an alternative terminal to avoid further delay and to maintain operational continuity.

“We find it deeply regrettable that such a prominent public official would exhibit conduct that not only disrupted operations but also disrespected fellow passengers and our staff,” the statement read.

Air Peace reiterated its strict policy against any form of aggression directed at its personnel or customers, urging all travellers to adhere to proper conduct and cooperate with airport protocols.

“Our operations are governed by strict timelines and safety standards,” the airline stated. “We remain committed to delivering safe, punctual service to the Nigerian public. No individual, regardless of status, is above these principles.”

Responding to the airline’s accusations, Senator Oshiomhole issued his own account of the events, strongly denying any disruption to operations.

According to the senator, he arrived at the terminal only to find that passengers, including himself, had been classified as late.

He alleged that Air Peace staff were taking advantage of the situation by charging extra fees to allow some passengers to board through unofficial means.

Oshiomhole claimed that, while he was denied boarding, others were reportedly asked to pay an additional N109,900 on top of the N149,600 ticket fare to be rebooked on the next available flight, which was scheduled for 8:30 AM.

“I couldn’t accept that,” Oshiomhole said.

“They wanted to extort ordinary Nigerians under the pretext of late check-in. Then a manager approached me and tried to make a backdoor arrangement, offering to let me on because I’m a senator. I refused. If it’s wrong for everyone else, then it’s wrong for me too.”

The senator said his reaction stemmed not from a sense of entitlement, but from a desire to stand up against what he described as systemic exploitation of travellers by airline staff.

The controversy continues to draw public attention, with both parties standing firm on their versions of the incident.