Saudi Arabia unexpectedly revoked the visas of all 264 passengers who arrived in Jeddah on Monday through Air Peace, Nigeria’s prominent carrier.
Despite a smooth flight from Lagos to Jeddah, Saudi authorities, despite the Advanced Passenger Prescreening System clearance, insisted on sending the passengers back to Nigeria, raising speculation about potential aero-political motives.
This move has triggered industry observers to question whether it aims to disrupt Air Peace’s operations, given the airline’s consistent high load factor and full bookings.
Following intervention by the Nigerian embassy, Saudi authorities reduced the number of passengers to be returned to 177, leading Air Peace to promptly repatriate them.
Passenger screening at both the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Aminu Kano International Airport was thorough, and there were no visa issues.
The surprising visa cancellation upon landing fueled suspicions of a strategy to frustrate Air Peace out of the route.
“We suspect this is a strategy to frustrate the Nigerian carrier out of the route. Some people are not happy with the option Air Peace is providing—the direct flight to Jeddah as opposed to using another foreign airline with higher fares,” stated a source familiar with the situation.
This incident follows Air Peace’s recent announcement of direct flights from Lagos and Kano to Jeddah, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The airline’s spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, confirmed the visa cancellation of 177 passengers by Saudi authorities, expressing shock and emphasizing the lack of explanation for this unexpected decision.
