Jason Ozoemena (not real name), a Lagos State resident, has narrated how Arik Air held on to his N201,050 after a Lagos–Jos flight he booked in May was cancelled by the airline.

Ozoemena told EQ that he booked the flight with the airline on May 31 with the hope of flying from Lagos to Jos on June 4.

“While preparing for my June 4 journey, I suddenly received a message from Arik Air on June 3 that the flight had been cancelled,” Ozoemena said on Tuesday.

“The period coincided with the labour union strike that was held in June. Apparently, the strike grounded activities and I could not travel because of that.

READ ALSO: 4 Months After Cancelling Lagos-Abuja Flight, Dana Air Yet to Refund Customer’s N131,544

The Message Arik Air Sent to Ozoemena

“After Arik Air sent me the message, I was also told that I could use the ticket for another flight if I wanted to, but I told them that I was not a frequent traveller. I also made them understand that I would prefer the option of a refund.

“The airline then later sent me a refund form to fill and I duly filled it and sent it back to them.

Ozoemena’s flight ticket

“I made sure I entered the correct details in the form before sending it back to them. This was in mid-June.”

Ozoemena told EQ that he had not heard from Arik Air since he filled out the refund form.

READ ALSO: Arik Air Holds Customers’ N298,000 and Denies Them Flight

“When I did not hear from Arik Air for well over two months, I decided to call the airline on August 12 to know when I would get my money back,” said Ozoemena.

“To my surprise, the official I spoke with said the airline had not even started processing my refund request at all because of a backlog. She also said it would take a long time before it gets to my turn. Just like the option that was first offered to me in June, she also recommended that I fly with the ticket.

“I again had to tell her that I was not a frequent traveller and that I needed my money back. Since June, and despite several emails and phone calls, Arik Air has still not given me my N201,050 back.”

EQ sent an email to Arik Air for a reaction to the passenger’s complaint on Tuesday morning. Arik Air had not responded at press time.
The post Arik Air Yet to Refund Customer’s N201,050 After Cancelling Flight appeared first on Foundation For Investigative Journalism.