Abuja Passengers Stranded by Saudi Airlines

Saudi Airlines has faced widespread backlash after leaving 401 passengers bound for Kano stranded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja for nearly two days, a situation that escalated into heightened tension and raised serious security concerns.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the incident began after adverse weather conditions in Kano forced the aircraft to divert to Abuja. However, the regulator criticised the airline for failing to make adequate arrangements to transport passengers to their final destination once conditions improved.

The development was disclosed on Monday by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, in a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account. Achimugu revealed that he was personally involved in efforts to calm the situation as frustration among the stranded passengers intensified.

Describing the incident as one of the most challenging moments of his career, Achimugu said he was forced to abruptly change his plans after receiving reports of credible threats linked to the growing anger among the passengers.

According to him, several airlines were affected by the same weather conditions and also diverted their flights to Abuja. However, unlike Saudi Airlines, those carriers reportedly made alternative travel arrangements for their passengers. Saudi Airlines, he said, returned to its base without ensuring that the stranded passengers were conveyed to Kano.

Achimugu recounted arriving at the airport to find hundreds of passengers who had been waiting for hours without clear communication on when or how they would complete their journey. Many, he said, were visibly distressed and angry due to the prolonged delay and lack of information.

He explained that managing the situation required calm judgment, firmness, and cooperation among various stakeholders, noting that the role of consumer protection officials often comes with significant risk when emotions run high. He added that during the intervention, one passenger became particularly agitated and directed a threat at him.

Rather than escalating the confrontation, Achimugu said he chose a different approach after recognising the anxiety behind the passenger’s anger. The discussion eventually helped defuse the tension and restore calm, underscoring the importance of dialogue in crisis situations.

While acknowledging that Saudi Airlines does not operate a full base in Abuja a factor that complicated logistics  the NCAA maintained that the airline could have handled the situation in a more responsible and professional manner, particularly in line with Nigeria’s consumer protection regulations.

Achimugu disclosed that he later held discussions with the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, during which he emphasised that no airline would be allowed to operate in the country while disregarding passenger rights and local aviation rules.

He also commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), particularly the regional management team, for their role in resolving the crisis. According to him, arrangements were eventually made to transport the stranded passengers to Kano using UMZA Aviation aircraft.

He explained that the evacuation was carried out in batches. The first flight conveyed 74 passengers and four crew members, the second carried 73 passengers with four crew, while the final flight transported 34 passengers. In total, 189 passengers were successfully airlifted to Kano during the operation.

The NCAA further disclosed that Saudi Airlines has agreed to compensate the affected passengers for the inconvenience suffered during the disruption.

Bringing the episode to a close, Achimugu said the incident began as a case of force majeure due to weather conditions but later escalated because of poor passenger handling. He noted that it ultimately ended through coordinated efforts involving the aviation minister, the Director General of Civil Aviation, and frontline consumer protection officers.

The incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of passenger rights and better crisis management by airlines operating in Nigeria, particularly during unforeseen disruptions.