A Nigerian passenger, Gloria Omisore, was allegedly mistreated by Kenya Airways airline passenger service assistants, prompting the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to invite the airline’s executives to its Abuja headquarters. A viral video on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) shows Ms. Omisore being denied boarding on a connecting flight from Nairobi to Lagos, despite holding a valid ticket.
NCAA Summons Kenya Airlines over Viral Video of Nigerian Passenger Denied Boarding in Nairobi pic.twitter.com/KbPkJpqwra
— TVC News (@tvcnewsng) February 3, 2025
Ms. Omisore’s journey from Manchester, UK, to Lagos, Nigeria, was highlighted in footage initially brought to Aviation Minister Tunde Moshood’s attention by SA Media. Her itinerary included a flight from Manchester (MAN) to Paris (CDG), a connection from Paris to Nairobi (NBO), and a final leg from Nairobi to Lagos (LOS). The incident took place in Nairobi, where she was denied boarding for the last segment of her trip.
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, expressed strong disapproval of the airline staff’s actions. “The airline MUST bear responsibility for what has happened to this passenger,” Achimugu stated. He confirmed that Kenya Airways has been officially summoned to appear before the NCAA today, Monday, February 3, 2025, to address the matter.
The NCAA’s action is grounded in its commitment to passenger rights, as enshrined in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. Achimugu issued a stern warning, stating that if Ms. Omisore is not flown to her final destination, Lagos, within a matter of hours, Kenya Airways will face significant repercussions. The specifics of the potential sanctions were not immediately disclosed.
The NCAA has called for calm among the public, reassuring citizens that it is actively monitoring the situation and will take all necessary steps to ensure justice for Ms. Omisore and uphold passenger rights. The outcome of the meeting with Kenya Airways executives is eagerly awaited.