Flight Diversion to Asaba: Keyamo Disputes United Nigeria’s Weather Claim

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, has refuted United Nigeria Airlines’ explanation for diverting its Abuja-bound flight to Asaba, Delta state.

On Saturday, a United Nigeria flight scheduled for Abuja landed unexpectedly in Asaba, with passengers later informed of a wrong flight plan.

“A wrong flight plan was given,” revealed a passenger, dispelling earlier speculation among passengers.

Contradicting the airline’s statement citing poor weather, Keyamo asserted there was no adverse weather condition in Abuja. Instead, he deemed the diversion an internal matter for United Nigeria.

After a meeting with aviation regulators on Monday regarding safety concerns, Keyamo disclosed that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency’s released communication indicated the pilot’s confirmation of heading to Asaba, not Abuja.

Highlighting the issue of foreign pilots unfamiliar with Nigerian terrain, Keyamo announced a new agreement requiring a Nigerian pilot on board for every wet lease flight. He emphasized the critical need for enhanced safety measures, directing the NCAA to summon all pilots and crew operating wet leases in Nigeria for further briefing within 72 hours.

With the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau now probing the incident, Keyamo urged a swift resolution within 10 days. He underscored the responsibility to protect Nigerians and warned of potential license withdrawal and blacklisting for non-compliant airlines.