Over 200 passengers aboard a British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Lagos on Monday accused the airline of abandoning them in Abuja after their flight was diverted due to a fire incident at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The aircraft was said to have been rerouted to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following the disruption in Lagos, reports The Guardian.
While acknowledging that the diversion was beyond the airline’s control, passengers faulted British Airways over what they described as poor handling of their welfare and onward arrangements.
A passenger who pleaded anonymity while speaking to our correspondent narrated their ordeal saying, “upon arrival in Abuja at about 5:30pm they were handed over to third-party agents without adequate arrangements for their welfare, refreshments, or other forms of hospitality were provided to them”.
According to him, two coaster buses and a minibus were provided to transport about 219 passenger to a hotel located about 45 minutes from the airport, resulting in delays of several hours before they were accommodated.
Himself and some other passengers were unable to check into the hotel until late at night after spending hours waiting for transportation. They further alleged that meals at the hotel were poorly organised and significantly delayed.
The situation escalated the following morning when passengers returned to the Abuja airport seeking clarification on their onward journey.
He said that they were initially informed that their luggage would remain on the aircraft and that further arrangements would be communicated.
However, later communication at about 1am reportedly informed them that the flight had been terminated and advised passengers to make their own way to Lagos, with a promise of reimbursement for alternative travel arrangements.
Dissatisfied with the development, the stranded passengers staged a protest at the Abuja airport, demanding to be addressed by a British Airways official and calling on the airline to take responsibility for their welfare and onward transportation.
The passengers accused the airline of abandoning them in an unfamiliar city without adequate support and vowed to pursue further complaints through the airline’s official grievance channels.
British Airways is yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of press time.
