Arik Air denies delivery by pregnant woman aboard Lagos-London flight

Arik Air management yesterday said there was no delivery onboard its flight W3 101 which departed Lagos for London Heathrow airport on Sunday.

Ola Banji, the airline’s spokesman, however, said the flight diverted to Palma Mallorca Airport, Spain at 5:44 p.m. due to urgent medical attention required for a 12-week pregnant woman on board.

According to him, the passenger reportedly developed severe pain during the course of the flight adding that the pain was later coupled with bleeding with a suspected miscarriage.

He explained that the passenger, who was initially attended to by two medical doctors on board the flight, was 12 weeks pregnant adding that she was later transferred to a hospital in Mallorca for further medical attention.
 He said the Arik flight later departed Mallorca at 8:00 pm for London Heathrow.

“This is contrary to a report in a daily to the effect that a woman gave birth on board Arik flight to London. This singular act further demonstrates that Arik Air is passionate about meeting individual needs of its guests and is ready to go the extra mile to ensure that safety is not compromised no matter the cost.

“Excellent customer care is the core philosophy of Arik Air’s business. In the air and on the ground, online and on the telephone, guests can expect respect, courtesy, fairness and care from the airline at all times.

“This particular guest did not indicate her pregnancy status to the airline’s Passenger Service Agents (PSA) at check-in and because her pregnancy was 12 weeks, the team didn’t notice her status.

“Arik Air exceeds its guests’ expectations through the continuous pursuit of excellence and is considerate and respectful of, and responsive to, the needs of guests. The airline remains committed to offering a superior level of customer service and aims to deliver on all promises made to guests,” he said.
Culled from Nigerian Tribune