Air France Allegedly Strands 61 Nigerian Passengers in Chad

61 Nigerian passengers on an Air France flight bound for Abuja have reportedly been left stranded in Chad. The incident was disclosed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, via his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Saturday evening.

Minister Keyamo promptly instructed the Consumer Protection Department of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to address the situation and engage with Air France. He also urged the airline to provide an immediate update on the passengers’ status.

In a video shared by Keyamo, the stranded passengers, including former House of Representatives member Hon. Johnson Agbonayima, expressed their concerns, hoping for swift intervention from Nigerian authorities.

Keyamo stated: “It has come to my attention that some Nigerians on an Air France flight from Paris to Abuja are presently stranded in Chad, where the flight earlier dropped some passengers. I have immediately directed the Consumer Protection Department of NCAA to swing into action and engage Air France. We shall inform everyone of the outcome soon. Meanwhile, I urge @AirFranceNG to immediately issue a statement on the fate of those Nigerians.”

Following the Minister’s directive, NCAA’s Head of Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, provided an update via X. Achimugu explained that the aircraft experienced technical issues due to adverse weather conditions. Consequently, all 61 passengers have been accommodated in two hotels in Chad, with their meals provided, while arrangements are being made to ensure their prompt transportation to Abuja.

Achimugu noted: “We have engaged the airline. Aircraft developed a tech due to weather. All 61 passengers have been accommodated in two hotels and feeding is taken care of. Discussions are ongoing to ensure pax are flown in ASAP. Will provide further updates shortly.”

This incident follows a recent event where Turkish Airlines left over 300 Nigerian passengers stranded at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The Federal Government of Nigeria intervened, facilitating the passengers’ eventual travel to Istanbul.