Outrage as Saudi Airlines Leaves Over 200 Passengers Stranded in Abuja
- Over 200 passengers were left at the Abuja airport for nearly 48 hours by Saudi Airlines
- It was gathered that the airline diverted a Kano-bound flight to Abuja due to bad weather
- The NCAA said the airline failed to make proper arrangements for stranded passengers
Oluwatobi Odeyinka is a business editor at Legit.ng, covering energy, the money market, technology and macroeconomic trends in Nigeria.
Saudi Arabian Airlines has come under scrutiny after leaving hundreds of Kano-bound passengers stranded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for nearly two days following a flight diversion.
Source: Getty Images
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the airline’s flight was diverted to Abuja due to adverse weather conditions in Kano. However, the regulator said Saudi Airlines failed to make adequate arrangements to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.
In a statement shared on Monday, January 12, 2025, the NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, said the situation escalated due to poor passenger handling by the airline, leading to tension and security concerns at the airport, PUNCH reported.
Saudi Airlines affected by bad weather – NCAA
Achimugu explained that several airlines were affected by the same weather conditions and also diverted their flights to Abuja, but most of them successfully arranged onward travel for their passengers. Saudi Airlines, he said, returned to its base without having resolved the situation for those bound for Kano.
According to the NCAA spokesperson, more than 200 passengers were left stranded; many of whom waited for hours without clear information on when they would continue their journey.
He noted that the frustration among passengers resulted in threats of violence, prompting intervention by aviation authorities.
Achimugu said he was personally involved in de-escalating the situation, describing the incident as one of the most challenging moments of his professional career.
Saudi Airlines: Passengers challenge NCAA director
He added that some passengers became aggressive due to prolonged delays and a lack of communication.
While noting that Saudi Airlines does not operate a base in Abuja, the NCAA stressed that this should not excuse inadequate passenger care, noting that all airlines operating in Nigeria must comply with the country’s consumer protection regulations.
Source: Getty Images
The NCAA further disclosed that the stranded passengers were eventually airlifted to Kano in batches through three UMZA flights coordinated with airport authorities.
In total, 189 passengers were transported, while arrangements continued for others.
According to the regulator, Saudi Airlines has agreed to compensate the affected passengers for the disruption.
The NCAA said the incident, which began as a weather-related diversion, was worsened by poor passenger handling but was ultimately resolved through coordinated efforts involving aviation authorities and airport officials.
NCAA plans tougher penalties for Nigerian airlines
Legit.ng earlier reported that the NCAA vowed to impose stiffer penalties on domestic airlines over persistent flight delays and operational lapses affecting passengers.
The NCAA said the proposed tougher stance became necessary following recurring complaints from air travellers, despite longstanding regulatory support given to airline operators operating in a challenging business environment.
Airlines have received significant government support, which the NCAA said should improve performance.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
