FCCPC Summons Air Peace Over Unpaid Refunds for Cancelled Flights

FCCPC on Air Peace
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a formal summons to Air Peace Limited, Nigeria’s largest airline, following persistent consumer complaints about unpaid refunds for flights cancelled by the airline. The directive, dated June 13, 2025, mandates Air Peace’s management to appear at the FCCPC’s headquarters in Abuja on June 23, 2025, to address allegations of violating consumer protection regulations. The commission’s action underscores its commitment to enforcing accountability and protecting passenger rights under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

The summons cites specific violations of Sections 130(1)(a), 130(1)(b), and 130(2)(b) of the FCCPA, which require service providers to issue timely refunds when services paid for in advance are not delivered. Passengers have reported significant delays or outright non-payment of refunds for flights cancelled by Air Peace, often leaving them financially stranded and unable to rebook alternative travel. The FCCPC has emphasized that such practices constitute unfair treatment and contravene the legal protections afforded to consumers under Nigerian law.

As part of the investigation, Air Peace has been instructed to submit comprehensive documentation to the FCCPC by the hearing date. This includes a detailed log of all refund-related complaints received over the past 12 months, records of processed refunds, a list of all cancelled flights during the same period, and evidence of remedial actions taken to address consumer grievances. Failure to comply with the summons or provide the requested information could result in severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment, as outlined in Section 33(3) of the FCCPA.

This is not the first time Air Peace has faced scrutiny from the FCCPC. In December 2024, the commission launched a separate investigation into the airline’s alleged exploitative ticket pricing practices, which raised concerns about price gouging and unfair market conduct. The FCCPC has clarified that the current summons is unrelated to the pricing investigation, focusing solely on the issue of unpaid refunds and consumer rights violations.

The scale of the complaints against Air Peace highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, where passengers frequently face disruptions such as flight cancellations, delays, and difficulties securing refunds. The FCCPC’s intervention aims to address these systemic issues and ensure that airlines like Air Peace adhere to transparent and consumer-friendly practices. The commission has publicly reiterated its mandate to protect consumers from exploitative practices and hold service providers accountable for delivering on their obligations.

Air Peace, which operates both domestic and international flights, has yet to issue a public statement regarding the FCCPC’s summons. The airline’s response during the June 23 hearing will likely influence the commission’s next steps, which could range from imposing corrective measures to levying substantial fines. The outcome of this case may also set a precedent for how consumer complaints are handled in Nigeria’s aviation industry moving forward.

The FCCPC has encouraged affected passengers to continue reporting grievances through its official channels, ensuring that their complaints are documented and addressed. By taking a firm stance against Air Peace, the commission signals its intent to strengthen consumer protections and promote fair practices across the aviation sector. This case underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring that businesses prioritize customer welfare in line with legal standards.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *