After a confusing incident, a Nigerian airline issued an apology following an error where passengers were mistakenly informed about their arrival at their intended destination, Abuja, only to discover they had landed more than 450 kilometers (280 miles) away in Asaba, a different city.
United Nigeria Airlines clarified that adverse weather conditions prompted the Sunday flight from Lagos, the primary city, bound for the federal capital, Abuja, to be temporarily diverted to Asaba in Delta state.
The confusion arose when the cabin crew mistakenly announced Abuja as the landing location upon arrival in Asaba, leading to disorientation among passengers.
“Upon arrival, the cabin crew confidently announced that we’ve arrived in Abuja only for us to realise we landed in Asaba,” a traveller had said on X, adding that “apparently, our pilot was given wrong flight plan from Lagos”.
However, the airline contradicted this claim, stating that the aircraft’s pilot was properly informed about the temporary diversion and received the correct briefing regarding the altered route.
Expressing regret, the airline conveyed, “We sincerely apologise for the misunderstanding on our [flight]. We are currently taking steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” in a statement.
The airline confirmed that the flight eventually landed safely in Abuja after the unexpected detour.