Hundreds of returning Nigerian pilgrims were stranded aboard a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday after the aircraft was diverted from Kano due to adverse weather conditions, leaving passengers confined for over five hours without food, water, or official communication.

The flight, which was scheduled to land at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), was redirected to Abuja as a safety precaution following reports of poor weather in Kano. The aircraft touched down in the federal capital at about 1:00 p.m. but remained parked on the tarmac for hours, with passengers still on board as of 6:00 p.m.

Several passengers, many of whom were returning from the Lesser Hajj (Umrah), told PRNigeria via telephone from inside the aircraft that the prolonged confinement amounted to inhumane treatment.

“For many of us, Abuja is actually our final destination,” one passenger said. “Even if we had landed in Kano as planned, we would still have needed to connect to Abuja. While we understand the diversion for safety reasons, keeping us locked inside the aircraft for five hours without information or even a cup of water is unacceptable.”

Concerns heightened as reports emerged of passengers falling ill during the delay, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable.

“Some of our family members are sick on board right now,” another passenger said. “The stress of the long journey, combined with this unnecessary delay and lack of basic care, is taking a serious toll. It is frustrating and dehumanising.”

The stranded pilgrims have appealed to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to intervene urgently, either to allow passengers to disembark or to ensure the provision of basic welfare support.

As of the time of filing this report, attempts by PRNigeria to obtain an official response from Saudi Arabian Airlines’ management were unsuccessful, as calls to designated contact lines went unanswered.

Meanwhile, tension remained high at the Abuja airport terminal, where relatives and well-wishers waited anxiously for updates on the condition and release of their loved ones. (By PRNigeria)

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