On Monday, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia revoked the visas of 264 passengers who arrived in Jeddah from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano via Nigeria’s private carrier, Air Peace.
Subsequently, Saudi authorities insisted on the return of the affected passengers to Nigeria. However, following intervention by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number was reduced from 264 to 177.
The flight, originating from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and transiting through Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, proceeded without issues until landing in Saudi Arabia, where authorities announced the cancellation of all passengers’ visas.
Sources reveal that both passengers and airline personnel were surprised by the visa cancellations, given that the Advanced Passenger Prescreening System (APPS) had been utilized during check-in. This system was also monitored by Saudi Arabian authorities before the flight’s departure from Nigeria.
Questions arise as to whether this incident was a strategic move to discourage the airline’s operations to the destination, especially considering its consistently high load factors since commencing operations.
Upon the involvement of the Nigerian embassy, Saudi authorities reduced the number of passengers to be returned from 264 to 177. Air Peace, the Nigerian carrier, has already repatriated these passengers back to Nigeria.
Notably, Saudi Air has been operating directly from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia. However, Air Peace, with its relatively lower fares, has garnered significant patronage, contributing to foreign exchange conservation for Nigeria.
Sources from the Nigerian embassy in Jeddah indicated that even Saudi Immigrations personnel were unaware of who cancelled the visas. The cancellations occurred while the airline was already en route to Jeddah.
A source emphasized, “The airline was exonerated in all this, as the Advanced Passenger Prescreening System (APPS), live between both countries, should have identified any invalid visas and prevented their boarding. The system accepted all affected passengers and passed them on.”
The 177 deported passengers have since returned to Nigeria with Air Peace. Industry observers speculate that this incident may be rooted in aeropolitics, suggesting an attempt to compel the Nigerian operator to withdraw from the route unless government intervention occurs, emphasizing the principle of reciprocity.
