Confusion as United Nigeria Airlines’ flight flies Abuja-bound passengers to Asaba

Passengers aboard a United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) operated flight bound for Abuja have expressed disappointment after finding themselves at the Asaba International Airport, in Delta State shortly after takeoff from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos without prior notice by the crew.

United Nigeria Airlines

The incident which occurred last Sunday on a CRJ-type aircraft operated by the UNA was described by the astonished passengers as disappointing, just as the airline has moved to clarify that the flight was diverted to Asaba due to bad weather.

However, some passengers aboard the plane insist the mistake was due to a wrong flight plan delivered to the pilot.

The flight which has since been re-diverted to Abuja as all passengers disembarked same day at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) safely.

A passenger who identified himself as Salihu Tanko-Yakasai, who leaked the incident via his X handle, Sunday, said passengers aboard the flight were not notified by the crew on plans to divert the aircraft due to bad weather or any other issue, as they found themselves in Asaba minutes after take-off in Lagos.

Tanko-Yakasai, who is a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Kano, also added that it was after they landed that the airline immediately realized the wriong flight plan as they re-boarded for Abuja.

However, in a swift response, the UNA has denied wrongly diverting the flight as it claimed the decision was informed by bad weather and not wrong flight plan.

In a brief statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, UNA, Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu titled;” Temporary Diversion Of Flight To Asaba, the airline said it diverted the flight due to safety reasons owing to bad weather.

 “A United Nigeria Airlines flight, NUA 0504, operating from the MM2 in Lagos enroute Abuja on Sunday, November 26, 2023, was temporarily diverted to the Asaba International Airport due to poor destination weather.

“At all material time, the Pilot of the aircraft was aware of the temporary diversion and was properly briefed.

“However, a wrong announcement was made by the cabin crew upon landing safely in Asaba, creating confusion among the passengers,” the statement read.

The confusion was further heighted when the passengers claimed that the cabin crew made a wrong announcement on landing that the flight had landed in Abuja instead of Asaba.

While the problem was blamed on a lack communication between the cockpit crew and cabin crew, the passengers were left wondering o er the confusion for long while still seated inside the plane.

Meanwhile, the airline also in its statement said it remained ‘committed to ensuring the safety of its passengers at all times.’