British Airways denied 58 passengers boarding on its Abuja-London flight due to a faulty door, citing safety reasons. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the airline had to keep some seats unoccupied to ensure safety.
According to Michael Achimugu, the director of public relations and consumer protection at NCAA, the airline provided hotel accommodation for the affected passengers.
While 28 passengers opted to return home, 30 accepted the offer. Achimugu added that affected passengers can file for compensation and arrangements are being made to airlift them the following morning.
The NCAA advised passengers to reach out to their Consumer Protection Officers at the terminal in similar situations, ensuring their right to care is protected.
One social media user suggested that the NCAA should investigate the condition of aircraft interiors used by foreign airlines in Nigeria.
A faulty aircraft door on a British Airways Abuja–London flight forced the airline to deny boarding to 58 passengers on Friday.
The NCAA’s Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the incident in a post on his X handle on Friday, stating that due to the faulty door, “they had to deny 58 passengers boarding this morning.”
According to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, safety concerns require airlines to leave some seats vacant.
He explained that “hotel accommodation has been provided, and 28 passengers opted to return home, while 30 accepted the offer.
“Affected passengers can file for compensation. Arrangements are being made to airlift them tomorrow morning,” he added.
“The first resort in situations like this is to locate the NCAA Consumer Protection Officers at the terminal, and they will ensure that your right to care is protected (if the airline delays),” Achimugu further advised passengers.
Source:Business Day