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
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.”
Agriculture
Disease Control: FG, Cross River conduct surveillance on 600 livestock samples
Liyel Imoukhuede, special adviser to Gov Bassey Otu on livestock development, said the initiative supports the national objective of eradicating peste des petits ruminants by 2030.
Lagos
LASTMA impounds 84 vehicles over traffic violations
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general manager of LASTMA, said the enforcement exercise took place at Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu.
States
Insecurity: Kano govt restricts durbar procession, horse riding
The Kano state government announced restrictions on durbar processions and horse riding after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council.
Economy
NGX chairman woos global investors, highlights Nigeria’s opportunities
Mr Kwairanga said opportunities abound for venture capital, private equity and institutional investors in infrastructure financing and solid minerals development, among others.
Hot news Home top
Gov Oyebanji dissolves boards, terminates political appointments ahead of October 16 inauguration
Mr Oyebanji said the decision became necessary as his administration gradually winds down its first term ahead of the inauguration of his second term scheduled for October 16.
Heading 2
Nigerians will re-elect Tinubu in 2027, says Tompolo
Mr Ekpemupolo expressed confidence that Mr Tinubu would win across the states by securing at least 70 per cent of the votes.
