British Airways faced significant disruption on Friday after 58 passengers were denied boarding on a flight from Abuja, Nigeria, to London due to a faulty aircraft door. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident, stating that the airline followed safety protocols by keeping seats near the defective door unoccupied.
In posts on the social media platform X, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, clarified that the decision was necessary to prioritize passenger safety. “The actual issue involved a malfunctioning door,” he wrote. “To ensure compliance with safety regulations, seats adjacent to it could not be occupied. This led to the affected passengers being unable to board.” He noted that 28 travelers chose to return home, while 30 accepted hotel accommodations arranged by the airline. Efforts are underway to rebook all impacted individuals on a flight scheduled for the following morning.
Achimugu emphasized that those denied boarding are entitled to compensation under aviation regulations and urged travelers encountering similar delays to contact NCAA Consumer Protection Officers at airports for assistance. “Passengers’ rights to care must be upheld,” he added, referencing standard protocols for airline-related disruptions.
The incident prompted broader public scrutiny of aircraft conditions on international routes. An X user, @NewDawnNaija23, criticized the state of cabins operated by foreign carriers in Nigeria, noting, “This isn’t acceptable, especially given the high fares they charge.” While the NCAA has not commented on these specific claims, the authority oversees compliance with safety and service standards for all airlines operating in the country.
British Airways has yet to issue a detailed public statement but is coordinating with Nigerian officials to resolve the situation. Aviation analysts stress that mechanical issues, while inconvenient, often trigger precautionary measures to avert risks mid-flight. The incident highlights the balance airlines must strike between operational safety and minimizing passenger inconvenience, particularly on long-haul routes with stringent regulatory oversight. Affected travelers await further updates as the airline works to expedite their journeys.
