World Airways

UNCLAS LAGOS 000126

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR ECON CASC SOCI NI
SUBJECT: World Airways

REF: (A) LAGOS 54, LAGOS 31, ABUJA 2216, LAGOS 74, LAGOS 105


1. On Monday, January 19, 2004 at 8:07 a.m. EST, 318 passengers
arrived at JFK aboard World Airways flight 817. In an
advertisement being handed out by World Airways staff to
passengers, World Airways claims the flight was being operated at
their own expense and that they have not received payment for the
flight from the program operator, Ritetime Aviation and Travel
Services. Further, World Airways states it is unable to provide
additional assistance as to future bookings, refunds or any other
administrative issues. All enquiries must be directed to Ritetime
Aviation and Travel Services where tickets were purchased.


2. Henry Seymour, spokesperson for World Airways, claims that
although they were able to board 318 passengers, 39 passengers
that originated in Lagos were left behind. Seymour advised ACS
Officer that there are no plans underway for World Airways to
rescue the stranded 39. When Post's expeditor went to Murtala
Mohammed International Airport to ascertain the exact number and
nationality of passengers that were left, none could be located.


3. As of 0900, Wednesday, January 21, 2004, 4 stranded
passengers that missed the January 18 flight came into the
Consulate seeking assistance in making flight arrangements to
JFK. The passengers claim they were in the East and were unaware
of the World Airways flight. Post will continue to assist any
stranded World Airways passengers on an individual basis.

HINSON-JONES