flight update:A contingent of Nigerian passengers found themselves unexpectedly stranded in Lomé, Togo, after their Air France flight, originally slated to land in Abuja, was diverted due to severe weather conditions. This unforeseen detour created significant inconvenience and prompted immediate intervention from Nigerian aviation authorities
The predicament was brought to public attention by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who voiced his concerns through a statement published on his official X account late Thursday night. Keyamo detailed how the Air France flight, originating from Paris and bound for Abuja, was forced to reroute to Lomé after encountering hazardous weather that made landing in the Nigerian capital impossible.
Minister Keyamo’s statement conveyed a palpable sense of frustration with Air France’s handling of the diversion. He particularly criticized the airline’s apparent reluctance to return the stranded passengers to Abuja promptly. He highlighted the perplexing decision to potentially leave the passengers in Lomé overnight, despite the flight’s scheduled return to Abuja to pick up other travelers. This disparity in treatment raised serious questions about the airline’s commitment to passenger welfare.
In response to the escalating situation, Minister Keyamo swiftly initiated action to address the concerns of the stranded Nigerian passengers. He emphasized that he immediately contacted his officials and Air France representatives to demand a swift resolution. He directed his Director of Air Transport Management to engage with the Air France country manager, and he personally contacted Air France Nigeria to express his concerns.
Minister Keyamo’s intervention was marked by a firm demand for either the immediate return of the passengers to Abuja or the provision of accommodations and services in Lomé that adhered to the highest international standards. He underscored the necessity of ensuring that the stranded passengers were not subjected to undue hardship or neglect.
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The minister’s decisive actions reflected a commitment to safeguarding the interests of Nigerian citizens and upholding passenger rights. His insistence on either immediate repatriation or adherence to international standards highlighted the importance of accountability and responsible conduct by airlines operating within Nigeria’s airspace.
As of the time of this report, Air France had not released an official statement to address the concerns raised by Minister Keyamo and the stranded passengers. The lack of communication from the airline further amplified the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the situation
