By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has intervened after more than 400 passengers travelling to Kano were stranded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for nearly 48 hours following severe weather disruption in Kano.
The situation was reportedly worsened by poor passenger handling by Saudi Airlines, leading to heightened tension at the airport, with some passengers threatening violence before government officials stepped in.
NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said on Monday that the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, monitored the situation closely and insisted that the welfare and rights of the affected passengers be prioritised.
He said the airline left passengers stranded in Abuja without alternative arrangements, citing the lack of an operational base in the city. The NCAA later engaged the Saudi ambassador to Nigeria to stress compliance with Nigeria’s consumer protection regulations.
The crisis was resolved after Umza Airlines airlifted the passengers to Kano in three flights, conveying 189 travellers. Saudi Airlines has pledged to compensate those affected.
Achimugu described the incident as one triggered by force majeure but escalated by poor passenger management, urging travellers to remain calm during disruptions beyond airline control.
