Dropped Nigerian Service Under Review

According to the attorneys representing a group of passengers filing a class action lawsuit, the DOT has commenced an inquiry into World Airways, Inc. and Ritetime Aviation's operation of flights to and from Nigeria.

The investigation relates to World Airways alleged decision to completely cease flight operations to Nigeria, abandoning passengers with round trip tickets and leaving the majority of them stranded in Lagos, Nigeria for over three weeks.

In a letter to the Department's Counsel for Aviation Enforcement, Ike O. Echeruo, Esq., an attorney for the plaintiffs stated, "World Airways and Ritetime appear to have engaged in repeated violations of DOT regulations, specifically imposed to protect the traveling public..." and urged the Department to commence formal enforcement.

"I am pleased that the DOT is investigating. Based on my correspondence with the Department I am satisfied that the Department is taking this matter seriously," said Mr. Echeruo. If the Department concludes that World Airways is in violation of its regulations it can take a number of measures against the airline, including the revocation or modification of its operating license."

"In light of World Airways unconscionable conduct in abandoning its passengers and violating the law we hope that at the conclusion of its investigation the DOT will hold the airline accountable and mete out the appropriate penalties An airline can't simply abandon United States citizens in a foreign country, especially an airline that derives most of its revenue from the United States government," said John Edozie, Esq., an attorney for the plaintiffs.

Echeruo, Counsel, Attorneys at Law, LLP and Madu, Edozie & Madu, P.C. filed a class action lawsuit against World Airways, Ritetime Aviation and Peter Obafemi in relation to World Airways flight operation to and from Nigeria.

FMI:  www.waclassaction.com