In a surprising turn of events, the Saudi Arabian government has revoked the visas of all 264 passengers transported by Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, upon their arrival in the country from Kano. This move has sent shockwaves through both aviation and diplomatic circles in Nigeria, especially as it coincides with President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at the Arab-Africa summits in Saudi Arabia.
The cancellation was announced upon the passengers’ arrival in Jeddah, with Saudi authorities insisting on their immediate return to Nigeria. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has swiftly responded, issuing a statement indicating that they are investigating the matter to determine if any consular or aviation rules have been violated.
“We’re investigating the matter to see if any consular or aviation rules have been flouted,” the statement said, emphasizing a commitment to mitigate actions impacting the welfare of Nigerian citizens in the future.
Nigeria recently participated in the Saudi-Africa Summit, fostering bilateral discussions and commitments across various sectors of the economy. However, the sudden visa cancellation has raised concerns about potential diplomatic ramifications.
The Presidency, though aware of the situation, has yet to receive detailed information. Mr. Tope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, stated, “I am aware of what happened, but we don’t have the facts. We are waiting to get updates on the matter.”
The affected flight, originating from Lagos and transiting through Kano, landed in Jeddah without incident. The cancellation of visas, a source reveals, took both passengers and airline personnel by surprise, considering the meticulous screening processes conducted before departure.
Speculation surrounds whether this move is a strategy to discourage Air Peace from operating to Saudi Arabia, given the airline’s consistently high load factor since initiating operations to the destination. Even the upcoming return flight to Nigeria is reportedly fully booked.
The Nigerian embassy intervened, resulting in the Saudi government reducing the number of passengers to be returned from 264 to 170. Saudi Air, which operates directly between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, faces competition from Air Peace, which has gained popularity with lower fares and high patronage.
In response to the incident, industry stakeholders attribute it to aeropolitics, suggesting a concerted effort to force the Nigerian operator out of the route unless government intervention occurs. Captain John Ojikutu, an industry expert, emphasized the need for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promptly intervene, asserting that the Nigerian government must stand firmly behind its designated carriers for international routes.
“This action is shocking. There is aeropolitics and diplomacy involved. The Nigerian government must stand firmly with Nigerian carriers and designate them as flag carriers,” Ojikutu remarked, urging immediate government intervention to safeguard Air Peace’s rights as outlined in the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between the two nations.
