Chaos erupted at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday after more than 200 Kano-bound Saudi Airlines passengers were stranded following a flight diversion due to adverse weather conditions. The situation escalated as frustration over prolonged delays and inadequate handling by the airline sparked violent behavior among some passengers.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said he personally intervened to calm the agitated passengers, despite facing threats of physical assault. In total, 401 passengers were left without proper onward travel arrangements, a breach of consumer protection regulations.

Following negotiations with the Saudi ambassador and collaboration with UMZA Aviation, 189 passengers were eventually airlifted to Kano via three successive flights. Achimugu noted that Saudi Airlines has committed to compensating affected travelers, bringing an end to the nearly 48-hour disruption.

He urged passengers to exercise restraint during unforeseen delays, stressing that violence within airport terminals or aircraft is unacceptable.