Passengers stranded as bad weather disrupts flight operations

By LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETEGHE

LAGOS— Passengers billed to travel to Enugu, Port-Harcourt and Owerri were stranded at Lagos Airport yesterday due to bad weather that prevented most airlines going to the South-East from reaching their destinations. The hazy weather prevented most planes from landing as visibility was very poor.

Confirmed report said Aero Contractors airline went to Enugu twice and had to return to Lagos without landing at Enugu due to bad weather which made visibility poor. It will be recalled that the airline had a minor accident at Jos Airport last month, when the wings of one its aircraft brushed an Airforce jet parked at the airport.

At the new domestic MMA2 terminal, Lagos, passengers were seen queuing to collect their refund from Aero Contractors airline at the counter. The passengers were orderly and did not show any sign of anger as they were aware that there was nothing the airlines could do about the weather condition.

However, most of them found it difficult to reschedule their flight for the next day as the two airlines currently operating south-east routes have their morning and afternoon flights for the next day fully booked.