Friday August 28, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Charles BASSEY
Aviation Correspondent, Akwa Ibom State
Ibom Air continues to receive commendation for its service quality and reliability, but some passengers have allegedly raised concerns over high fares, limited access, and baggage delays, calling for urgent steps to address the issues.
In correspondence made available to _Ibom Aviation News_, passengers acknowledged the airline’s strengths while also detailing challenges they said they experienced. According to Mr. Belief Udoh, an Akwa Ibom indigene, Ibom Air has “in many respects, given passengers a great flying experience.” “As an Akwa Ibom person, I genuinely appreciate that,” he said, as explained in his letter to the airline.
According to Mr. Udoh, he allegedly paid ₦227,000 for a Uyo-Lagos ticket after he was unable to secure a seat for three days following his training in Lagos. He stated that the delay forced him to incur additional hotel and feeding expenses. Mr. Daniel Kerry Udofia, in a separate letter, also alleged that Uyo-Lagos fares could rise from ₦230,000 to ₦334,000 within 24 hours, while a Calabar-Lagos ticket was reportedly sold for ₦142,000 on the same day. As explained by Mr. Udofia, for a family of two or three traveling at ₦334,000 each, the cost becomes unbearable for many households.
Both passengers alleged that the current situation leaves travelers stranded for days and pushes some to consider road travel to Calabar or Port Harcourt to access other flights. According to Mr. Udofia, “If Ibom Air is always fully booked, then this explains why Akwa Ibom state needs to open up the airport to other operators.” The passengers expressed concern that the situation could worsen during the Christmas period when demand is expected to rise.
Mr. Udoh also alleged that he was informed he would have to board without his luggage, with delivery promised 24 hours later. He further stated, according to reports from other passengers, that some travelers the previous day allegedly waited about 24 hours before receiving their bags. “Why should a passenger arrive at the destination before his luggage?” he asked in his letter.
While these are allegations made by passengers and have not been independently verified by _Ibom Aviation News_, an International Air Transport Association (IATA) accredited Travel agent based in Uyo, Miss Charity Udosen, suggests increasing flight frequency on high demand routes especially ahead of peak travel periods. She also recommends providing fare transparency through advance calendars to help passengers plan, and considering limited access for other credible domestic airlines at Victor Attah International Airport to increase seat supply. Miss Udosen further advised strengthening baggage handling procedures with clear timelines for delayed luggage, and enhancing passenger communication on operations, pricing, and service updates.
Despite the allegations, passengers emphasized that the concerns should not diminish the value Ibom Air has brought to the state. According to Mr. Udoh, the feedback is given “precisely because we want Ibom Air to become better.” As explained by Mr. Udofia, “I am a big fan and supporter of IBOMAIR till tomorrow,” but noted that addressing the issues would better serve Akwa Ibom people. Ibom Air has been credited with improving connectivity, creating jobs, and giving residents a reliable air travel option within Nigeria.
Ibom Air is yet to officially respond to the allegations contained in this report. Ibom Aviation News will publish the airline’s response when made avaiable.