By Charles Maduka
Saudi Airlines has come under heavy criticism after leaving hundreds of Kano-bound passengers stranded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for almost two days, creating tension and raising serious security concerns at the airport.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority said the incident happened after bad weather conditions in Kano forced the aircraft to divert to Abuja. However, the authority faulted the airline for failing to make proper arrangements to ensure that the passengers eventually reached their destination.
In a statement shared on his verified X account, the NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, said the situation was one of the most intense moments of his career, as he personally stepped in to calm the stranded passengers and prevent the crisis from escalating.
Achimugu disclosed that he received reports of possible violence from the frustrated passengers and had to abandon personal plans to address the situation. “I had to make a U-turn after receiving reports of a valid threat of extreme violence from stranded Saudi Airlines passengers in Abuja,” he said.
He explained that while other airlines that diverted to Abuja due to the same weather conditions quickly made alternative arrangements for their passengers, Saudi Airlines returned to its base without ensuring that its Kano-bound passengers were taken care of.
According to him, more than 200 angry passengers were left confused and upset, with no clear information on when or how they would continue their journey. “I stood amidst over 200 angry passengers, pacifying, reprimanding and resolving. This is the most adrenaline-rushing part of my job,” Achimugu said, adding that some passengers became violent out of frustration.
He recounted a tense encounter with one passenger who threatened to attack him, but said the situation was eventually defused through calm engagement. “I saw the worry in his eyes and decided to handle him differently. We ended up talking and became friends,” he stated.
While acknowledging that Saudi Airlines does not operate a base in Abuja, the NCAA insisted that the airline could have handled the situation in a more professional manner. Achimugu also revealed that he later met with the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, where he made it clear that no airline would be allowed to operate in Nigeria without complying with consumer protection regulations.
The stranded passengers were eventually transported to Kano in batches through three separate flights operated by UMZA. Achimugu said a total of 189 passengers were successfully airlifted, bringing the prolonged disruption to an end after nearly 48 hours.
The NCAA confirmed that Saudi Airlines has agreed to compensate the affected passengers. Efforts to get a response from the airline were unsuccessful, as it has no information office in Nigeria and did not reply to emails sent as of the time this report was filed.
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