A disruptive French passenger was removed from an Air France flight at Abuja International Airport, Nigeria, on Tuesday, 31 December 2024.
The incident was reported by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Mr Achimugu disclosed details through a post on his X social media account.
The incident highlights the growing concerns about unruly passenger behavior in international aviation.
Passenger Removed from Air France Flight in Abuja
The passenger, who lacked a Nigerian visa, exhibited concerning behavior that threatened the safety of other travelers.
The passenger was removed from the Air France flight at Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV). Following the airline’s decision to disembark the passenger, he received immediate assistance from French Embassy personnel and medical staff. He was then accommodated at the airport terminal hotel.
The diplomatic response underscored the complex international protocols involved in handling such incidents. The situation escalated when the same passenger attempted to board a British Airways flight but was removed due to similar disruptive conduct.
A subsequent attempt to travel via Asky airline failed when he couldn’t verify payment for his electronic ticket. This pattern of behavior raised serious concerns among airport authorities about passenger screening and security protocols.
Immigration officials faced significant challenges managing the erratic individual, who scattered tissue paper throughout the terminal while repeatedly shouting about his passport.
The officers retained his travel documents until his confirmed departure to prevent unauthorized entry into Abuja, following standard security procedures for handling problematic international travelers.
Call for Air France to Airlift Passenger
NCAA Consumer Protection regional head Miriam Anosike intervened firmly with Air France representatives, emphasizing their responsibility to transport the passenger out of Nigeria.
She stressed that since Air France had brought him into the country, they needed to arrange his departure as he was becoming a burden to Nigerian authorities. Her handling of the situation demonstrated the NCAA’s commitment to maintaining order and safety in Nigerian airspace.
“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!” Anosike stated.
This drew praise from Achimugu for her experienced handling of the situation. The NCAA announced it would monitor Air France’s operations the following night to ensure the passenger’s safe departure.
The incident served to highlight the Nigerian authority’s commitment to resolving international aviation incidents professionally and efficiently.
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