A Nigerian passenger, identified as Ms Omisore, has arrived safely in Lagos following an altercation with Kenya Airways staff at the airline’s transfer desk in Nairobi. The incident, which was captured in a viral video, sparked widespread condemnation.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned the acting station manager of Kenya Airways in Lagos for a mandatory meeting to address concerns about the alleged mistreatment of Nigerian passengers.

The controversy arose after a video posted by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, showed Omisore complaining about her treatment and that of other Nigerian travellers at Nairobi Airport. According to reports, Omisore was travelling from Manchester to Lagos via a connecting route but was denied boarding in Nairobi on the second leg of her journey.

Kenya Airways responded on social media, stating that Omisore was denied boarding because she lacked a Schengen visa for France, a requirement for entry into any European Union country. The airline claimed it had offered her an alternative route via London to Manchester, which she declined, leading to a verbal altercation.

The airline further alleged that Omisore engaged in inappropriate behaviour by throwing used sanitary pads at staff after being denied boarding. It stated that she had requested accommodation, but the airline does not provide such assistance in cases related to visa issues. Kenya Airways added that the incident had been reported and was under investigation by relevant security agencies.

Meanwhile, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, disclosed that Kenya Airways has a history of mistreating Nigerian passengers, including NCAA staff. The agency has demanded CCTV footage to verify the airline’s claims against Omisore.

“I have advised the passenger that unruly behaviour is inexcusable at any airport, and she could be blacklisted by the airline or even fined. However, the NCAA does not condone attempts to forcefully delete her video,” Achimugu stated.

He also criticised Kenya Airways for initially allowing Omisore to board in Lagos despite the alleged visa requirements. “If she was unqualified due to visa restrictions, she should not have been issued a boarding pass in the first place,” he added.

The meeting with Kenya Airways, initially scheduled for 1 pm, has been postponed for 24 hours at the airline’s request to allow for additional documentation and evidence.