A passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja is set to face prosecution after causing a disruption that led to the cancellation of the flight, leaving other passengers unable to travel.
Reports indicate that the female passenger narrowly avoided being attacked by angry passengers, thanks to the swift intervention of Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and Ibom Air staff.
The incident occurred on an Ibom Air flight scheduled to depart Uyo for Abuja at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
Before the flight, passengers were informed that due to weight restrictions, some or all of their luggage might not travel on the same flight. According to a report from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) consumer protection department, passengers with luggage exceeding 20kg signed indemnity forms, while those with bags around 20kg were verbally notified that their baggage would arrive on the next flight. All passengers, including the individual in question, reportedly agreed to this arrangement.
However, after boarding, the passenger noticed her bag was not among the loaded luggage. In anger, she left the aircraft and insisted her bag be loaded immediately, threatening to prevent the plane from departing otherwise. Despite intervention by Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and the pilot, who even offered to carry her bag in the cabin if not for its size, the passenger refused to comply.
As Uyo is a sunset airport, the delay caused by her actions meant the flight could no longer depart before the airspace was closed, resulting in its cancellation. This left all passengers stranded, including those with international flights from Abuja and critical appointments.
A video shared by the NCAA on social media platform X showed frustrated passengers attempting to confront the woman, with one individual lamenting that they had missed a British Airways flight due to her actions. The passenger reportedly cited a prior experience in December when her luggage was delayed as the reason for her refusal to cooperate.
NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the incident, highlighting the significant disruption and costs incurred by the airline. The carrier had to provide refreshments, transportation for local passengers, and hotel accommodations for out-of-town travelers, effectively doubling expenses for the flight.
Achimugu emphasized that flight operations adhere to weight restrictions, especially during festive seasons when passengers travel with extra luggage. He confirmed that the passenger would be prosecuted for her unruly behavior, stating, “No provocation justifies violence at the airport. Holding up an aircraft through violent means can be interpreted as terrorism depending on the severity, as determined by the police.”
He also reiterated that the NCAA continues to educate stakeholders about the consequences of disruptive behavior, which not only affects passengers but also strains airline operations in an already low-margin industry.
