Sunday witnessed a scenario of perplexity as a United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) flight traveling from Lagos to Abuja underwent an unexpected diversion to Asaba, Delta State, attributed to adverse weather conditions at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The flight, identified as UNA 0504, had initiated its journey from the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), originally destined for Abuja.
Salihu ‘Dawisu’ Tanko Yakasai, a former media aide to Kano State Governor, shared the unfolding incident on his social media page. He reported that despite the intended arrival in Abuja, the cabin crew mistakenly announced the landing in the capital when, in reality, the aircraft had touched down in Asaba, Delta State.
Yakasai suggested that the confusion arose from an alleged discrepancy in the flight plan provided to the pilot departing from Lagos.
In response, the airline issued a statement clarifying the situation, attributing the diversion to “poor destination weather.” The statement affirmed that the pilot was fully cognizant of the temporary diversion and had received appropriate briefing.
The airline acknowledged that a misleading announcement by the cabin crew upon landing in Asaba contributed to the passengers’ state of confusion.
The statement concluded by assuring that the aircraft safely landed in Abuja subsequent to an improvement in the weather conditions at the intended destination.
United Nigeria Airlines reiterated its unwavering commitment to prioritizing passenger safety under all circumstances, as conveyed by Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu, the Head of Corporate Communications for the airline.
