United Nigeria Airlines has announced flight disruption after a passenger allegedly physically assaulted one of its crew members at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
This was confirmed in a press statement issued by the airline on Thursday, stating that the incident happened when a flight from Lagos to Asaba, Delta State was about to take off.
The statement said the behavior of the “unruly passenger” caused the delay of operations for several hours on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
The airline said the incident may have affected its operations across the country.
The statement reads: “We deeply regret notifying the general public that our Lagos-Asaba flight, originally scheduled for 6:30am on Thursday, December 19th, was delayed due to an unfortunate incident involving unruly passengers.
“This individual physically assaulted a crew member after everyone had boarded and the door of the aircraft was firmly shut.
“The commotion caused by this passenger lasted a long time and for safety reasons and in accordance with international aviation protocols, the aircraft was grounded, resulting in hours-long delay.
“Unfortunately, this disruption may have reverberating effects on other flights across our network and may cause more delays and cancellations. We are deeply sorry about this.
“We understand and respect our passengers’ right to express their concerns. However, it is important to emphasize that any form of physical or verbal assault against any crew member is a serious offense under international aviation laws and is strictly prohibited.
“Such behavior not only endangers the safety and security of everyone on board but also disrupts the travel plans of fellow passengers.
“We urge our valued passengers to use appropriate channels, such as customer service hotlines or online feedback forms, to address any issues or dissatisfaction they may have. This ensures that concerns are handled efficiently and respectfully, without compromising the safety and comfort of other passengers.
“At United Nigeria Airlines, safety is not just a priority but the very foundation upon which our operations are built. Our commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards is unwavering, and we take all necessary measures to ensure the well-being of our passengers and crew.
“We sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.”
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