(Quick News Africa)- Ethiopian Airlines on Monday refuted allegations made by some media channels that the airline was collecting unauthorized charges on the route from Nigeria to South Africa.The refutal was contained in a statement circulated by Jedidah Promotions, a public relations firm, on behalf of Ethiopian Airlines.
“At the outset, we would like to clarify that Ethiopian Airlines doesn’t charge any unauthorized fees on this route,” the statement read in part.
“However, since many passengers have been denied entry in to South Africa by the immigration authorities for various reasons, and these passengers have been inconvenienced during their stay at Johannesburg airport before they were returned back to their airport of departure, they were asked to deposit the mentioned amount to cover their incidental expenses in case they are denied entry,” it further read.
The African aviation giant also maintained that the said amount has always been refunded to passengers when they have been allowed entry in to South Africa.
It also explained that recently, it was notified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on some customer complaints on “this matter,” and that the airline is discussing with the NCAA on how to handle the matter through diplomatic channels between the Nigerian and South African governments in the spirit of African brotherhood.
It also explained that recently, it was notified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on some customer complaints on “this matter,” and that the airline is discussing with the NCAA on how to handle the matter through diplomatic channels between the Nigerian and South African governments in the spirit of African brotherhood.
Ethiopian Airlines also said it has served the people of Nigeria for the past 57 years and has proved to be a partner in progress.
It reiterated that recently, when all foreign airlines refused to fly to Kaduna, Ethiopian was the only international airline that flew to Kaduna, and that it was also the only airline that agreed to fly to Enugu Airport.
“Ethiopian Airlines stands with the people of Nigeria for now and in the foreseeable future.”
