Passengers of Dana Airline expressed their frustration on Monday by vandalizing check-in counter facilities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport wing 2 (MMA2) in Lagos, following a series of flight delays and cancellations.
The upheaval ensued around 6 p.m. after prolonged waiting periods, with passengers irate over the cancellation of two flights bound for Port Harcourt and Owerri from Lagos, scheduled for noon.
According to an airport official who spoke anonymously, some passengers had been enduring extended delays since the previous day when their flights were initially canceled. Promised rescheduling for the current day proved futile, inciting the passengers’ violent response.
Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as passengers disconnected and vandalized check-in computers, with reports of airline staff sustaining injuries amidst the commotion.
“The computers were disconnected and vandalized, while some of the attendants were severely beaten by the passengers,” an airport attendant disclosed.
Amidst mounting tensions, Dana Airline issued an apology to affected passengers earlier on Monday, citing unexpected delays attributed to non-scheduled maintenance.
“We sincerely wish to apologize for the expected delay on your flight today 12/02/24 due to non-scheduled maintenance,” the airline’s statement expressed regret.
Despite the apology, discontent among passengers escalated, leading to further disruptions and property damage at the airport, attributed to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited.
Following intervention by aviation security agencies, including calls to board at approximately 9 p.m., the situation was eventually brought under control. Dana Airline reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and comfort, pledging to mitigate future inconveniences.
