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