Anambra-bound passengers accuse United Nigeria of ‘dumping’ them in Asaba

Some passengers of United Nigeria Airlines have alleged the company diverted their Anambra-bound flight to Asaba, Delta state, on Saturday.

An X user, simply identified as @9jaDisciple, while reacting to an enquiry by TheCable reporter, said he has initiated a lawsuit against United Nigeria Airlines.

He said the lawsuit would not enable him to speak further on the issue, however, in an earlier post on X, the passenger said the Lagos-Anambra flight did not take them to their destination.

United Nigeria Airlines is yet to respond to an enquiry from TheCable as of the time of filing this report.

Narrating his experience, the X user said the flight was scheduled for 10:30 am, but it was “delayed until about 4pm”.

He said the flight crew had some hours to fly into Awka, however, the plane later flew to Abuja, where the pilot and crew were changed — before the aircraft continued its journey to Asaba.

“Whilst we were Protesting, one of the crew assaulted a passenger,” he said.

“Then we realized that Mr. Obiora, the owner of the airline was at the airport waiting to use that plane.”

The passenger said Obiara told them they should be grateful for landing safely and the company did not profit from the trip.

He said passengers were stranded at the airport by 10 pm, but Obiora left them and “flew away”.

Alexander Onukwue, another passenger affected, told TheCable that the only communication with him since the incident was a text message from the airline offering a 25 percent discount on local routes’ ticket price as compensation.

Onukwue also wrote on X that United Nigeria Airlines “basically robbed” him and dumped him somewhere at night to find his way himself.

In his post, he said Festus Keyamo, aviation minister, and civil aviation authority should consider the “status of United Nigeria Airline @flyunitedng”.

“A flight from Lagos to Anambra has now terminated in Asaba at 7:30pm after a stop in Abuja. How do they keep getting away with this?” he asked.

Onukwue said: “Serious inquest needed on whether Nigerian airlines are fit for purpose. @flyunitedng basically robbed me today and dumped me somewhere at night to find my way by myself. It can’t be normal.”

NCAA TO INVESTIGATE UNITED NIGERIA AIRLINES’ FLIGHT

In a statement on Saturday, Michael Achimugu, director, public affairs and consumer protection, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said the authority will investigate the flight diversion.

He said flight diversions are not uncommon in the air transportation business.

However, Achimugu said NCAA is investigating the incident and “wishes to assure the general public of aviation safety, compliance and strict enforcement of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations”. 

“We have been informed by United Nigeria airline staff that some passengers have been taken to the Hotel, while others chose alternative means of transportation to their destination,” he said. 

Achimugu said NCAA is monitoring the incident.