The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Kenya Airways’ acting station manager following a viral altercation between the airline’s staff and a Nigerian passenger, identified as Omisore, at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Omisore, who was traveling from Manchester to Lagos via Nairobi, was reportedly denied boarding on the second leg of her journey, leading to a heated exchange with airline personnel. She has since arrived safely in Lagos on a Kenya Airways flight.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
A video of the incident, shared by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, captured Omisore voicing her frustration over what she described as mistreatment of Nigerian passengers by Kenya Airways staff.
“Our attention has been drawn to several cases of inhumane treatment of Nigerian passengers in Nairobi by @KenyaAirways,” Moshood wrote on X.
Kenya Airways responded, stating that Omisore was denied boarding because she lacked a Schengen visa for France, which was required for her travel route. The airline claimed it offered her an alternative route via London, which she declined, resulting in a verbal confrontation.
Kenya Airways’ Response
In a statement, the airline condemned unruly behavior, asserting that its staff deserve a safe and dignified work environment. Kenya Airways further alleged that Omisore engaged in inappropriate conduct by throwing used sanitary pads at its staff—an accusation the NCAA has requested CCTV footage to verify.
The airline also clarified that it does not provide accommodation for passengers denied boarding due to visa-related issues, adding that the incident has been reported to relevant security agencies.
NCAA Demands Investigation
In response to the controversy, NCAA Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, disclosed that Kenya Airways has been invited for a mandatory meeting to review the incident.
“Kenya Airways allegedly has a history of mistreating Nigerians, including NCAA staff. The acting station manager in Lagos has been invited to address the concerns raised,” Achimugu stated.
He added that Omisore had been warned that unruly behavior at airports could lead to blacklisting and fines. However, he questioned why the airline issued her boarding passes in Lagos if she was ineligible to complete the journey.
“You should not have allowed her to board in Nigeria if she was not qualified due to visa requirements,” he said. “You will be asked to provide CCTV footage showing that she threw the used sanitary pads at your staff rather than placing them on the table as alleged.”
Initially scheduled for 1 p.m., the meeting with Kenya Airways has been postponed by 24 hours at the airline’s request to allow for further details to be presented.
