There was pandemonium inside Medview Airlines Flight VL2108 to Maiduguri from Abuja on Sunday when the flight was suddenly aborted after taxiing and as it was about to be airborne.

Reacting to the development yesterday evening, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) urged members of the public to remain calm as passengers involved in the incident are “in safe hands’’.

The Director-General, CPC, Mr Babatunde Irukera, said in a statement that no passenger was hurt after the flight was cancelled for safety reasons.

He said that the CPC had been communicating with officials of Medview airline, and it said at no time there was an emergency, and passengers were never at risk.

A report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Irukera as saying: “At approximately 1400 HRS, while attempting to depart Abuja to Maiduguri on the final segment of the sector, the flight had a Ramp Return, that is, return to base after commencing taxiing on account of a safety issue.

“Specifically, an indicator lamp signifying a minor disorder emerged.

“The Captain, exercising the appropriate abundance of caution and in compliance with applicable safety standards aborted the flight and returned to base for technical assistance.

“All passengers disembarked in an orderly manner, returned to the lounge and were catered to by the airline in accordance with relevant Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations regarding treatment of passengers during delays.

“Engineers are presently concluding minor repairs so that the aircraft can become operational.”