Chaos at Abuja Airport: Saudi Airlines Strands 401 Kano-Bound Passengers for Nearly 48 Hours Amid Threats of Violence

Abuja, January 12, 2026 –

A Saudi Airlines flight bound for Kano was diverted to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport due to bad weather in Kano, leaving 401 passengers stranded for almost 48 hours. The situation escalated into significant tension, with reports of credible threats of extreme violence from frustrated passengers.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), personally intervened after receiving alerts while en route to a personal errand. He found himself amid over 200 angry passengers, working to pacify the crowd, issue reprimands where needed, and resolve issues through tact, firmness, and teamwork.
The ordeal proved highly intense and risky, as some passengers displayed extreme agitation. One particularly large and vexed individual threatened physical harm, but Achimugu de-escalated by recognizing the passenger’s underlying worry, leading to a calmer exchange. The two ended on amicable terms, with the passenger extending a friendly invitation to his Lagos home.
Achimugu commended the strong support from Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, who prioritized passenger rights and welfare, seeking late-night updates on the situation. He also praised Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, for making critical decisions that upheld the dignity and rights of Nigerian passengers.
Special thanks were extended to Ifueko Abdulmalik for maintaining open communication channels with the Saudi side throughout the crisis. The FAAN Regional General Manager at the airport was also acknowledged for standing firm alongside the team, displaying courage amid intimidation.
The disruption began as a force majeure event due to weather but shifted to criticism over poor passenger handling, as the airline—lacking an operational base in Abuja—attempted to depart without arranging onward travel for passengers. Achimugu questioned how 401 passengers could be left without alternatives and later met with the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, emphasizing that no airline can disregard Nigeria’s consumer protection regulations.
Following sustained efforts and negotiations, arrangements were finalized with UMZA Aviation to airlift the stranded passengers to Kano in three successive flights:
The first UMZA aircraft departed Abuja (ABV) for Kano with 74 passengers + 4 crew members on board.
The second UMZA aircraft departed with 73 passengers + 4 crew members.
The third and final UMZA aircraft departed with 34 passengers.
In total, 181 passengers + 8 crew members were successfully transported.
Saudi Airlines has committed to compensating the affected passengers.
This resolution highlights effective teamwork from the Minister, DGCA, NCAA Consumer Protection Officers, and airport staff, turning a challenging disruption into a demonstration of passenger rights protection.
In closing, Achimugu urged passengers to recognize situations beyond airlines’ control, such as weather, and to avoid resorting to violence in aircraft or terminals in the year ahead.