A routine flight to Kano turned into a nightmare for 401 passengers when Saudi Airlines left them stranded at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja for almost 48 hours.
The delay caused mounting frustration, security concerns, and a scramble by aviation authorities to calm the situation.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that severe weather in Kano forced the flight to divert to Abuja.
However, the airline reportedly failed to make proper arrangements for the passengers’ onward journey, leaving travelers stuck and unsure about how or when they would reach their destination.
NCAA Steps In Amid Rising Frustration
NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu shared details of the tense experience on his verified X account, revealing that he was personally involved in de-escalating the crisis.
“Yesterday, I had to make a U-turn from going to my barber after receiving reports of a serious threat from stranded passengers,” he said, highlighting the intensity of the moment.
Other airlines had also been forced to divert due to the weather but had ensured alternative arrangements for their passengers.
Saudi Airlines, however, returned to its base without taking steps to manage the stranded passengers, leaving the situation unresolved and increasingly volatile.
Managing Anger and Tensions
Amid the chaos, Achimugu found himself surrounded by more than 200 visibly frustrated passengers, many of whom had spent hours without clarity on their travel plans.
“I stood there trying to pacify, guide, and resolve issues. It’s the most adrenaline-pumping part of my job.
You need tact, firmness, wisdom, and teamwork—but it’s also risky. Some passengers can be extremely aggressive,” he recounted.
In one particularly tense moment, an irate passenger even threatened to assault him.
Achimugu chose to de-escalate the situation, saying, “Initially, I was angry. But I saw the worry in his eyes and handled it differently.
We ended up talking, and we even became friends. He invited me to his Lagos home.”
Logistical Challenges Highlighted
The NCAA acknowledged that Saudi Airlines does not have an operational base in Abuja, which complicated the logistics of rebooking or rerouting passengers.
Despite this, the authority stressed that the airline could have handled the situation more professionally.
Achimugu later met with the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria to stress that airlines operating in the country must adhere to consumer protection standards, regardless of the challenges they face.
Passengers Finally Airlifted in Batches
Thanks to the intervention of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the dedication of NCAA officers, the stranded travelers were eventually transported to Kano in three separate flights operated by UMZA.
The first aircraft carried 74 passengers along with four crew members, while the second flight had 73 passengers and four crew members.
The final flight conveyed 34 passengers, bringing a total of 189 travelers safely to their destination.
Accountability and Compensation
The NCAA confirmed that Saudi Airlines has agreed to compensate the affected passengers.
Achimugu described the resolution as a demonstration of effective teamwork, from the Minister of Aviation to the Consumer Protection Officers.
“What started as a weather-related disruption turned into a poorly handled passenger situation, but ended with strong coordination and resolution,” he said.
Efforts to reach Saudi Airlines for comments were unsuccessful, as the airline does not have an operational office in Nigeria.
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