Passengers groan as British Airways diverts Abuja flight to Lagos over terror alerts
A British Airways flight 83 from London Heathrow to Abuja on Thursday suddenly landed in Lagos instead of completing its journey to Abuja over concerns of a terror attack at the country’s capital.
Checks by Peoples Gazette on Flightrader showed the flight changed course upon entering Nigerian airspace on Friday morning.
Some passengers on the aeroplane complained that the flight was diverted to Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos after short notice via email.
A passenger on the aeroplane, Olufemi Ojo, described it as a “horrible experience” after their flight was delayed upon landing at the airport without prior notice.
He said when they landed in Nigeria on Thursday, passengers received a message that the flight would be landing in Lagos before they proceeded to Abuja.
Mr Ojo said passengers waited for over an hour at the Lagos airport, accusing British Airways of being “unapologetic.”
“We had a horrible experience on our journey from London to Abuja. The flight was delayed, we did not leave until 11:45 a.m., and then we got an email saying that we are bringing us to Lagos for 90 minutes wait,” added Mr Ojo. “We landed in Lagos, and then we waited for more than an hour. British Airways, unapologetic, asked everyone to come down.”
A spokesperson for British Airways did not immediately return a request seeking comments about the development.
Mr Ojo said passengers were still at the airport waiting for British Airways to change their crew so they could proceed on their journey.
“We are done now, and we are supposed to go to Abuja and they said they need to change crew and we are still waiting for that. This is quite horrible for British Airways,” the traveller further stated. “We have a better understanding that it is not possible for Air Peace to take British to London and then landing them in Manchester. It’s a horrible experience. We are here at the Muritala Muhammed Airport no air conditioner, as usual Nigeria frustration.”
Meanwhile, the UK government has advised its nationals to stay clear of Abuja due to potential terrorist attacks.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Firefighters contain vehicle fire in Ilorin
The vehicle, with registration number LAF 154 AE, caught fire while in motion on Saturday.
Sport
Man City lose to Nottingham Forest as Arsenal pip Hull City to extend lead on EPL table
Jair Cunha opened the scoring in the 6th minute, while Liam Delap made it two for Nottingham Forest in the 18th minute.
Africa
Ghana police arrest 57-year-old man for alleged shoplifting
The suspect was arrested on Thursday by the Somanya District Police Command.
States
Army seeks traditional rulers’ intervention to tackle crime in Plateau
The commander assured the monarch of a comprehensive assessment of the challenges.
States
Police arrest two suspects over drug supply, rescue 17 minors in Bauchi
Mr Habib said police operatives conducted a search and recovered 12 packs of rubber solution from the suspects.
States
South-East commission delivers relief materials to Abia flood victims
Mr Ogbede said the donation also included diapers for children and sanitary pads for mothers affected by the flooding.
