Flight diversions due to weather shifts are pretty common. But what unfolded on a recent Saudi Arabian Airlines flight bound for Kano was diverted to Abuja, and many passengers complained about it. In recent times, a flight delay left Pilgrims waiting on the tarmac for 5 hrs. Here’s how the event unfolded.
Saudi Airlines Tarmac Delay Leaves Pilgrims In Abuja
According to reports credited to Travel and Tour World and PRNigeria, the flight was rerouted to Abuja, Nigeria, due to bad weather conditions in Kano. Once the aircraft landed in Abuja, hundreds of passengers, many of them pilgrims, remained seated inside the plane for over five hours. Doors stayed closed and engines off. Absence of basic amenities like food, water and clear communication left the passengers frustrated.
Elderly passengers and families with children reportedly struggled due to limited airflow and rising discomfort. The lack of updates made the situation worse as people didn’t know if they would fly onward, disembark, or stay put through the night.
Where Communication Failed
Pilgrims onboard said neither the airline crew nor the airport officials explained what was happening or how long the delay would last.
As the hours passed, passengers appealed for help from Nigerian aviation authorities, asking for permission to disembark or at least receive basic care. At the time of reporting, neither Saudi Arabian Airlines nor airport authorities had issued an official statement.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia Reveals Its Best And Worst Airlines In New GACA Complaint Index: Report
Pilgrims Deserve Better Care
Pilgrimage travel often includes elderly passengers, first-time flyers, and people with medical needs.
International aviation standards stress passenger welfare during extended ground delays. This incident has sparked questions not just about one flight, but about how diversion protocols are handled when aircraft land unexpectedly at alternate airports.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Michael Sol from Pexels