Akwa-Ibom State-owned airline, Ibom Air, has firmly denied allegations of ticket racketeering at its Port Harcourt station, describing the claims as unfounded and baseless.
In a statement released by the airline’s General Manager of Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette, on Monday in Uyo, the state capital, Ibom Air emphasized its commitment to strict ethical standards. The airline assured that its staff are prohibited from engaging in any form of racketeering or corruption, and any attempts to undermine these standards are investigated and appropriately sanctioned.
Essienette clarified that Ibom Air’s check-in process for domestic flights closes 45 minutes before departure, in accordance with IATA guidelines, and that the airline strictly adheres to these procedures, including handling ‘Go-show’ passengers—those who arrive without a pre-booked ticket.
The statement read, “Ibom Air has become aware of recent allegations concerning our handling of flight check-ins and ticketing procedures and unfounded accusations of ticket racketeering at our Port Harcourt station.
“We categorically reject these baseless claims. Our staff operate with the highest level of integrity and are committed to serving our customers fairly and transparently. This commitment is at the core of our operations, and we will continue to ensure that our ticketing process remains transparent.”
Essienette reiterated that the airline adheres to international standards to ensure timely departures and minimize delays, urging passengers to arrive on time for a smooth travel experience.
“We value your trust in Ibom Air and are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining the highest service standards. We will continue to act in the best interest of passengers while upholding operational excellence in our industry,” the statement concluded.
