United Nigeria Airlines’ crew’s inadequate communication today caused confusion and worry for passengers on the Lagos/Abuja route. Instead of the expected one-hour flight, the aircraft diverted to Asaba due to what the airline termed “poor destination weather.”
When passengers saw Asaba Airport’s signage and heard the crew announce a safe landing, they felt anxious as they were expecting to land in Abuja, not at this temporary airport.
This incident has sparked concerns among industry watchers regarding the alternative airports mentioned in the carrier’s flight plan submitted to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Meanwhile, Archilleus-Chud Uchegbu, the spokesperson for United Nigeria Airlines, provided clarifications on this situation.
He said in a statement: “A United Nigeria Airlines flight, NUA 0504, operating from the MM2 in Lagos en route Abuja on Sunday, November 26, 2023, was temporarily diverted to the Asaba International Airport due to poor destination weather.
“At all material times, the Pilot of the aircraft was aware of the temporary diversion and was properly briefed.
“However, a wrong announcement was made by the cabin crew upon landing safely in Asaba, creating confusion among the passengers.
“Meanwhile, the aircraft has landed safely in Abuja following improvement in destination weather. United Nigeria Airlines remains committed to ensuring the safety of its passengers at all times.”
The development has created a buzz on social media across the travel space on uncanny happenings in the Nigerian aviation industry.
