Saudi Airlines abandons 401 Kano-bound passengers in Abuja for nearly 48 hours, prompting criticism and intervention by Nigerian aviation authorities

Saudi Airlines has come under heavy criticism after abandoning 401 Kano-bound passengers at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for nearly 48 hours, triggering tension and security concerns.

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The incident occurred following adverse weather in Kano, which forced the airline to divert to Abuja.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the diversion but noted that Saudi Airlines failed to make adequate arrangements to convey passengers to their final destination.

NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu disclosed the situation in a statement on Monday via his verified X handle, describing the episode as one of the most intense moments of his professional career.

“Yesterday, I had to make a U-turn while heading to my barber’s shop after receiving reports of a valid threat of extreme violence from stranded Saudi Airlines passengers in Abuja,” Achimugu said.

He recounted standing among over 200 visibly angry passengers, pacifying, reprimanding, and resolving the situation.

While other airlines diverted to Abuja due to similar weather conditions and arranged alternative travel for passengers, Saudi Airlines reportedly returned to its base without ensuring affected passengers reached Kano.

Achimugu noted that one passenger even threatened him, but the confrontation ended peacefully after dialogue.

The NCAA later met with the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, emphasising that no airline would be allowed to operate in Nigeria in violation of consumer protection regulations.

The stranded passengers were eventually airlifted in batches on three UMZA flights.

The first flight carried 74 passengers, the second 73, and the final flight 34 passengers, successfully transporting 189 travellers to Kano.

Saudi Airlines has committed to compensating all affected passengers.

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“This incident began as a force majeure due to weather, transitioned into poor passenger handling, and concluded with effective teamwork from the minister to the DGCA and our Consumer Protection Officers,” Achimugu said.