Saudi Airlines is facing heavy criticism after hundreds of passengers bound for Kano were stranded for nearly 48 hours at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The situation has led to escalating tensions and security concerns.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the plane was diverted to Abuja due to adverse weather conditions in Kano, but sharply criticized the airline for failing to make necessary arrangements for the passengers’ onward transport to their final destination.
In a statement released Monday, NCAA spokesman Michael Achimugu said the agency intervened to prevent the situation from escalating after receiving reports of threats and unrest among the stranded passengers.
Mr. Achimugu described the incident as one of the most significant of his career. He noted that other airlines in similar weather situations had implemented alternative solutions for their passengers, while Saudi Airlines had returned to its home airport without concern for the well-being or continuation of its customers’ journeys.
Saudi Airlines has launched a more comprehensive investigation after hours of discussions with the airport operator, which is scheduled to depart from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja 48 hours after the grounding of Flight 48. This situation allows for a better understanding of the scale of the incident and the safety situation.
Nigerian Airlines (NCAA) is the best option. Flights from Kano to Abuja were diverted due to adverse weather conditions. However, the airline failed to make the necessary arrangements for repatriating passengers to their final destinations.
During a meeting of NCAA experts with NCAA President Michael Achimugu, he intervened, pointing to an escalation of the situation in addition to the events already underway.
Mr. Achimugu described the incident as one of the most significant of his career. Other airlines are offering alternative, potentially cheaper, flight connections for passengers in the vicinity, while Saudi Airlines is taking care of your aircraft to ensure you can continue your journey.
According to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Saudi Airlines has pledged to compensate affected passengers for the inconvenience caused.
Attempts to obtain a statement from the airline were unsuccessful, as it has neither an operational office nor an information center in Nigeria. At the time of publication, no statement from the airline had been received.
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