A technical fault has grounded a British Airways plane at Lagos airport forcing the carrier’s officials to make alternative travel arrangements for its passengers.
While frantic efforts are on to repair the faulty plane, majority of the passengers have been accommodated on other flights.
According to findings, the remaining passengers have been lodged in an undisclosed hotel with their feedings catered for since.
Officials said no passenger was left stranded at the airport since Wednesday when the unfortunate situation occurred.
A passenger who declined to give his name said the airline was making arrangement to book the remaining customers on other London-bound flights.
The BA flight number BA74 was scheduled to depart from Lagos to London at 10:50 pm on Wednesday.
The flight was finally canceled at about 1:00am. Passengers subsequently asked to cancel their immigration forms and proceed to baggage hall to collect their checked-in luggage.
As of the time of filing this report, a yet-to-ascertained number of passengers are still in their hotel rooms.
When contacted, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, promised to get back to our reporter after checking with its officers.
“Yes, somebody brought the matter to my attention about an hour ago but I have been so busy. But if such happens the airline must have taken care of the passengers. If that has been done there will be no issues but let me check with my officers and I will get back to you shortly.”
Also speaking, Regional Commercial Manager Nigeria and Ghana, Mrs Tutu Otuyalo, confirmed the development but said the airline was resolving the matter gradually.
She said, ‘We have been in contact with our customers to apologise for the delay to their flight, this was caused by a technical issue with the aircraft. The majority of customers have been re-accommodated on other flights, and our team is working hard to book the remaining customers on a flight as soon as possible.
“We will cover accommodation and meal costs for customers. We would never operate a flight unless it is safe to do so.”
While she could not confirm when the rest of the passengers would be airlifted, she gave assurance that every passenger would be attended to within the shortest possible time.