OVER the weekend, a commercial plane operated by United Nigeria Airlines carrying over 100 passengers experienced an unexpected turn of events, landing at the wrong airport in Nigeria.
The flight, originating from Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, was en route to the nation’s capital, Abuja. However, the journey took an unexpected detour as the aircraft touched down at Asaba International Airport instead.
Despite the cabin crew’s announcement welcoming passengers to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, travellers disembarked only to realise they were in Asaba, situated approximately 329 kilometres away from the intended destination of Abuja.
According to passengers, the discrepancy in landing locations became apparent only after they had exited the aircraft, leading to considerable confusion among those on board.
The airline, United Nigeria Airlines, attributed the unexpected diversion to adverse weather conditions prevailing at the planned destination.
In response to queries, a spokesperson for the airline, Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu, informed reporters that the pilot made the decision to divert the plane to Asaba due to received reports of ‘poor destination weather.’
Uchegbu acknowledged that the confusion arose due to an incorrect announcement made by the cabin crew upon landing in Asaba, further adding to the disorientation experienced by passengers.
Instances of plane diversions are infrequent within Nigeria’s aviation landscape, rendering this incident particularly noteworthy. Concerns regarding aviation safety have emerged in the aftermath of this unexpected deviation from the flight plan.
The incident underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols and adherence to flight plans, especially during adverse weather conditions, to prevent similar occurrences and ensure the safety and confidence of air travellers in Nigeria.