In an ongoing dispute, thirteen travel agents are escalating their conflict with Qatar Airways by appealing directly to Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The agents, in a letter obtained by The PUNCH, urgently request Keyamo’s intervention to secure the refund of approximately N296 million for unused Hajj tickets over the past two years.
Previously, The PUNCH exclusively detailed how these agents and their clients have been at odds with Qatar Airways, alleging the airline has failed to honor the N296 million refund since 2022. The issue arose when the Saudi Arabian Embassy withheld visas, preventing intended pilgrims from traveling despite tickets purchased through Qatar Airways.
In response, the agents demanded refunds, but the situation escalated to involve law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has acknowledged mediation efforts but noted Qatar Airways’ refusal to comply with refund requests.
In their latest appeal to Minister Keyamo, represented by legal counsel, the agents express frustration over failed attempts at resolution and appeal for the minister’s intervention to ensure Qatar Airways honors the refunds owed to their clients.
They cite ongoing hardship and legal scrutiny faced by their clients due to the airline’s alleged non-compliance, urging regulatory protection of Nigeria’s economic interests in the travel and tours sector.
