Some new arrivals have protested about AirFrance, a Paris-based airline, for persistently delaying their bags.
As of January 4, 2024, it was discovered that several of the travelers who entered the nation before the Christmas and New Year holidays had not yet picked up their checked-in luggage.
Travelers told The PUNCH that they had not seen their suitcases more than two weeks after entering the nation.
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According to the PUNCH findings, many visitors’ Christmas and New Year’s celebrations were ruined by the development, and many more who arrived for weddings and other events suffered greatly as well.
A traveler identifying himself as Mr. Kunle Adekola said that on December 20, 2023, he entered the nation via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja with his family for the Yuletide festivities.
He was upset that his family hadn’t received their bags as of January 4, 2024.
Our arrival in Abuja occurred on December 20, 2023. Our stuff hasn’t arrived yet, and we’re returning to the US tomorrow. It’s been so distressing and depressing,” the irate traveler exclaimed.
Mrs. Caroline Ebube, a traveler, expressed her sadness at being mistreated by AirFrance even after paying expensive rates.
A traveler identifying himself as Mr. Kunle Adekola said that on December 20, 2023, he entered the nation via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja with his family for the Yuletide festivities.
He was upset that his family hadn’t received their bags as of January 4, 2024.
Our arrival in Abuja occurred on December 20, 2023. Our stuff hasn’t arrived yet, and we’re returning to the US tomorrow. It’s been so distressing and depressing,” the irate traveler exclaimed.
Mrs. Caroline Ebube, a traveler, expressed her sadness at being mistreated by AirFrance even after paying expensive rates.
It’s really depressing. Families are returning without their belongings. For most people, it’s a nightmare, and the tickets are three times as expensive. Still, we are having to endure this suffering,” she bemoaned.
Additionally, a passenger who apparently took a Business Class flight from the US to Abuja on December 19 expressed disappointment with the delay in his bag’s arrival from Paris.
According to additional research, travelers who arrived between December 20 and 22, 2023, suffered the most since most of them did not receive their luggage.
Stakeholders in the industry have responded to the unsightly development.
“This travel season witnesses an influx of Nigerians for Christmas, leading to excess luggage that some airlines struggle to manage,” stated Olumide Ohunayo, Assistant General Secretary of the Aviation Round Table.
He recommended that travelers officially file complaints with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in addition to using social media.
The first step is to write a letter detailing the issues and identifying AirFrance specifically, along with the relevant information attached.
Making comparisons to previous occurrences, like EgyptAir, could direct the strategy. Ohunayo stated that passengers should follow the correct procedures and permit authorities to step in, keeping in mind that aviation attorneys are available to help handle the matter.
“While I lack specific details, a 10-day delay is unusually prolonged and abnormal for passengers not to retrieve their luggage upon arrival,” Sheri Kyari, Director-General of Finum Aviation, said to The PUNCH.
“Ideally, these problems shouldn’t last longer than two days. Examining if this luggage issue impacts every passenger is vital, he stated.
Christine Quantin, the AirFrance country manager, could not be reached for comment at this time.
Christine Quantin, the AirFrance country manager, could not be reached for comment at this time.
As of the moment this report was filed, she has not yet responded to an email that was addressed to her.
Top airline officials in Abuja, however, connected the delays to a number of issues, including transit delays and logistical issues.