After days of tense standoff by an unruly French national who caused disruption across multiple flights at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the unruly passenger, who was initially deboarded by Air France due to his behavior, was denied entry into Nigeria and subsequently airlifted to France.
The ordeal began when the unruly passenger was deemed a safety risk to other passengers and removed from an Air France flight. However, he lacked a Nigerian visa and was denied entry. Despite being visited by French Embassy officials and a doctor and temporarily accommodated within the airport terminal, the passenger continued to cause disruption.
He was subsequently deboarded from a British Airways flight for similar behavioral issues. A subsequent attempt to depart on an Asky Airlines flight was also unsuccessful due to his failure to provide proof of e-ticket payment.
The situation escalated further as the passenger exhibited erratic behavior, including littering the terminal with tissue paper and repeatedly shouting “My passport, my passport.” Immigration officers, acting with prudence, withheld his international passport to prevent him from leaving the airport.
The intervention of Miriam Anosike, NCAA Consumer Protection regional head, proved crucial in resolving the escalating situation.
In a firm yet measured tone, Miriam addressed Air France personnel, emphasizing that the airline bore responsibility for transporting the passenger out of Nigeria, as they had initially brought him into the country.
“If you are afraid to airlift him, why do you expect other airlines to be responsible for him? Get him a ticket and move him tomorrow!”
Miriam’s decisive leadership, coupled with the collaborative efforts of Terminal Head Ifueko Abdulmalik, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the dedicated efforts of Immigration Commander, Mr. Agada, played a pivotal role in bringing the situation under control.
After being examined by a doctor and administered a sedative, the unruly passenger was finally airlifted on an Air France flight to Paris (CDG).
Stay connected with Abuja Blog: Discover Abuja – News, Events, and More!
-Sponsored Ad-
Leave a comment