Filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has criticised Air Peace for its handling of a flight delay that left passengers stranded for hours at London’s Gatwick Airport on Friday.
Akindele, who was among those affected,
said the disruption began around 6:30 am.
Passengers were initially told a bird
strike had grounded the aircraft, an incident requiring safety inspections
before departure.
Hours later, Akindele said travelers
remained at the airport without access to checked luggage or clear updates on
accommodation.
“Passengers (including elderly people)
have been stranded since 6:30AM at London Gatwick Airport with no proper
communication. After hours of delay, we were told there was a bird strike and
promised a hotel. Hours later, people are still sitting at baggage claim
hungry, exhausted, and without their bags,” she wrote.
Akindele posted on X that passengers,
including elderly travelers, were waiting at baggage claim hungry and exhausted
after being promised hotel arrangements that had not materialised.
She described elderly passengers
struggling and families growing tired amid the uncertainty, adding that many
travelers sat on the floor due to exhaustion and lacked access to essential
items in their bags.
“Elderly passengers are struggling.
Families are tired. No clear updates. No support,” she said, urging the airline
to act swiftly.
She called on the airline to release
luggage immediately and provide the promised hotel support.
“Release passengers’ luggage immediately
and provide the hotel you promised. Do something NOW,” she added.
Akindele said passengers had gone hours
without food or adequate communication despite assurances from staff.
She accused the airline of failing to
provide basic care during the disruption.
“We have been here for hours without
food or proper communication,” she said. “They promised a hotel, but nothing
has happened.”
Air Peace responded directly to Akindele
on X, expressing regret for the inconvenience and stating that safety and
operational efficiency remain priorities.
The airline said delays can occur due to
factors beyond its control and that its team was working to assist affected
passengers.
“Dear Funke @funkeakindele we sincerely
empathize with you over this experience and all inconveniences this has caused
to your travel plans.
“Such actions are never intentional as
we prioritize safety and operational efficiency, and while we strive for
on-time departures, certain factors beyond our control can sometimes cause
delays”, it wrote.
The airline added that efforts were
underway to assist affected passengers.
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