•Airlines Declines to Airlift Him
Confusion unfolded at the Abuja International Airport as a French citizen went mentally unstable, therefore causing a scene.
A post by the Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, on X confirmed that the passenger was deboarded by Air France following his disruptive behaviour.
He stated that the passenger did not have an Nigerian visa, hence not being allowed into Abuja, however, he was visited by staff of the French Embassy and a doctor, after which he was granted accommodation in the hotel within the airport terminal.
“Yesterday, Air France deboarded an unruly passenger at the Abuja International Airport. His disruptive behaviour in the aircraft was a safety risk for other passengers.
“Since he did not possess a Nigerian visa, he was not allowed into Abuja. Being a French national, he was visited by staff of the French Embassy and a doctor and then granted accommodation in the hotel within the airport terminal.”
He further explained that he was also deboarded from British Airways, over his display. Additionally, he was to depart via Asky but could not present evidence of payment for the e-‘ticket’ he presented.
“The airline declined to airlift him.” Achimugu said.
He noted that the immigration officials faced hurdles in trying to handle the situation as the passenger made multiple attempts to escape through the exit gate and into the city.
“Immigration officials had quite a hectic time handling the erratic passenger who can be seen littering our clean terminal with what seems to be tissue paper and screaming, “My passport, my passport.”
“Apparently, the Immigration officers wanted to ensure that he boarded his flight before handing the passenger his international passport to prevent him from escaping through the exit gate and into the city.
NCAA Consumer Protection regional head, Miriam Anosike, understanding the security, safety, and diplomatic ramifications of the case, addressed Air France personnel sternly, reminding them that they brought the passenger to Nigeria and must be responsible for airlifting him out of Nigeria as he is becoming a liability to the country.
“If you are afraid to airlift him, why do you expect other airlines to be responsible for him? Get him a ticket and move him tomorrow!”