An Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja was canceled after an unruly passenger disrupted the journey, affecting 89 passengers.
An Ibom Air flight scheduled to depart Uyo for Abuja on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, was canceled due to the disruptive behavior of an unruly passenger.
The incident, which occurred at 5:30 PM, left 89 passengers stranded, resulting in significant delays and financial losses for both travelers and the airline.
According to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the disruption began when the passenger refused to proceed with the flight upon discovering her luggage had not been loaded due to weight restrictions.
Despite prior communication during check-in that some luggage might be transported on subsequent flights, the passenger insisted her bags be loaded immediately or no one would travel.
Details of the Incident
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, explained that passengers carrying luggage above 20kg were required to sign indemnity forms acknowledging that their bags might arrive later.
The unruly passenger had initially agreed but changed her stance after boarding.
Attempts by the pilot and security officials from FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria) to resolve the situation were unsuccessful.
The pilot even offered to accommodate the bag in the cabin, but it did not fit. When the passenger refused to disembark, she blocked the aisle, further delaying the flight.
The disruption continued until the airspace at Uyo, a sunset airport, was closed, forcing the pilot to cancel the flight. Among the affected passengers were an infant and a chef traveling for a paid assignment in Abuja.
Airline’s Response
Ibom Air provided refreshments, local transportation, and hotel accommodations for stranded passengers.
However, the airline faced significant financial implications, including the cost of catering for passengers twice and the disruption of its flight schedule.
Achimugu noted that the airline staff, led by Amaka Echetabu, acted promptly to prevent the unruly passenger from being harmed by irate passengers.
He commended their professionalism, which averted further chaos.
Industry Impact
This incident highlights the challenges faced by the aviation industry, where thin profit margins make such disruptions highly detrimental.
Achimugu emphasized the importance of passengers adhering to guidelines to prevent avoidable delays and financial losses.
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