May 29, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has charged Turkish Airlines to, consistently, respect Nigerian passengers.
A press statement by Tunde Moshood, SA Media and Communications to the Minister, said Keyamo gave the charge on Wednesday during a meeting with a high-level delegation from Turkish Airlines.
The delegation, led by the airline’s Vice President in Charge of Africa, Hilemet Mesut Turkseven, included the General Manager, Lagos, Lokman Balkan, General Manager, Abuja, Akin Carleal, and the Turkish embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Imdat Karakoc.
During the meeting, Keyamo emphasised the need for Turkish Airlines to, consistently, respect Nigerian passengers.
Addressing concerns about reported instances of disrespect during flight operations, the Minister stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of customer service and dignity, for all passengers.
The Turkish Airlines delegation conveyed the regards of their CEO, Bilal Eksi, to the Honourable Minister, expressing gratitude for his intervention during the recent union actions that had disrupted their operations.
Vice President Turkseven thanked the Minister for his support and reiterated the airline’s commitment to Nigeria, highlighting their 18 years of service since commencing operations in 2006.
He praised Nigerians for their unwavering support and emphasised Turkish Airlines’ dedication to cooperating with the Nigerian government and its agencies to foster further growth in the country.
In his response, the Minister assured the delegation that there would be no further disruptions to their flight operations, given that the matter is currently before an industrial court.
He urged Turkish Airlines to, continually, uphold respect and dignity for Nigerian passengers.
The Minister critiqued the airline’s communication strategy during the union actions, attributing the issues to the attitude of the Country Manager.
“I had to advise your authorities to issue a press statement to calm troubled nerves”, he noted.
The Minister however urged the Turkish Airlines team to upgrade the aircraft used for flights to Nigeria.
While seeking a resolution to transit visas, Keyamo charged the Airlines to address the problem of transit visas causing Nigerians to be stranded in Istanbul. The Minister, also, advised the airline to support local caterers by serving Nigerian cuisine on return journeys.
However, Deputy Chief of Mission, Imdat Karakoc, assured the Honourable Minister that he would discuss these issues with the Turkish authorities back home and promised necessary adjustments.
He assured of a committed improvement in the quality of aircraft used for operations to Nigeria, adding that the current aircraft are not specifically directed against the country
“This meeting signifies a positive step towards strengthening the relationship between Turkish Airlines and the Nigerian aviation sector, ensuring better service and mutual respect for all passengers”, the statement added.
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