Arik Air has debunked the report that it left its passengers stranded at Port Harcourt Airport on Tuesday, March 2, 2024, as was reported in a recent video and story circulated by Sahara Reporters.

The Airline said it was rather the inclement weather conditions on the fateful day that led to the cancellation of both the Lagos-Port Harcourt (W3 744) and Port Harcourt-Lagos (W3 745) flights.

Stating its side of the story in a media statement, Arik Air said: “In the evening of Tuesday, March 2, 2024, our flight W3 744 Lagos-Port Harcourt was compelled to make an air return due to adverse weather conditions, specifically heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Port Harcourt.

“Consequently, both the Lagos-Port Harcourt (W3 744) and Port Harcourt-Lagos (W3 745) flights had to be cancelled.

“It is crucial to note that by the time of the cancellation, our banking facilities at the airport had ceased operations, rendering funds unfeasible at that moment. However, the passengers were promptly briefed on the situation and advised to return the following day for re-protection on available flights.

“On Wednesday, March 3, 2024 all the affected passengers from both Lagos and Port Harcourt were successfully accommodated on available morning and evening flights. Contrary to Sahara Reporters’ claim, no single passenger was left stranded at Port Harcourt Airport. The video footage in question likely captured a moment of agitation among some passengers.”

The Airline in the statement extended its sincere apologies to its valued customers whose travel plans were disrupted by the unforeseen circumstance and emphasised that safety remains its foremost priority.

“Despite operating modern aircraft, we maintain a strict policy to avoid flying in inclement weather conditions, which necessitated the cancellation of the affected flight,” the statement declared.