An elderly passenger was removed from a Nigerian flight on August 27 after he threatened to slap an air hostess who tried to reassign his seat located near the aircraft’s exit door.
The incident was confirmed by Michael Achimugu, spokesperson for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
According to Achimugu, the passenger refused to switch seats despite repeated explanations from the cabin crew about safety protocols.
He twice threatened to slap the air hostess, prompting the pilot to refuse to operate the flight until the passenger was deplaned for safety reasons.
Airport security, including the Air Force and NCAA Consumer Protection Officers, were called in to manage the situation and de-escalate the tension.
The passenger was advised on the seriousness of his actions and was escorted back to the terminal. After calming down and apologizing, he was allowed to board a later flight scheduled for the evening.
The NCAA reminded the public that threats or violence against cabin crew are unacceptable and urged passengers to use official channels to address grievances.
Achimugu emphasized the shared responsibility of both passengers and crew in maintaining a safe and respectful environment onboard, ensuring a pleasant flying experience for all.
This episode highlights the importance of cooperation and civility in air travel, reinforcing that safety protocols are paramount for the wellbeing of everyone on board.
