NCAA Probes Airline Over Poor Ventilation After Passenger Bleeds On Abuja-Calabar Flight

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced an investigation into a reported ventilation failure aboard an airline operating a flight from Abuja to Calabar after a passenger allegedly began bleeding due to excessive heat inside the aircraft.

The NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, disclosed this on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while responding to a complaint posted on social media by a passenger, Bashir Usman, who recounted his experience on the flight the previous day.

Usman said passengers boarded the aircraft at about 12:07 p.m. on Monday but remained inside for approximately 50 minutes after the doors were shut, without the engines running or the air-conditioning system functioning.

According to him, the heat became unbearable during the prolonged wait, eventually causing him to bleed. He described the experience as distressing, particularly given the absence of adequate ventilation while passengers remained inside the aircraft.

The passenger further disclosed that the cabin crew initially attempted to have him disembark because of the bleeding, apparently out of concern that he might require medical attention during the flight. However, he insisted that he was fine and said other passengers intervened to express concern over the heat and lack of ventilation.

He appreciated fellow travellers who came to his aid, explaining that some took turns fanning him while a woman offered him her personal mini hand fan. Their intervention, he said, helped persuade the crew to allow him to remain on board.

Usman added that the aircraft eventually arrived in Calabar at 2:04 p.m., despite the scheduled flight duration being approximately 45 minutes. He also expressed disappointment over the reported lack of an apology or explanation from the crew regarding the delay and conditions inside the aircraft.

Reacting to the complaint, Achimugu said he had spoken with Usman by telephone and expressed sympathy over the incident. He confirmed that the matter would be forwarded to the NCAA’s Directorate of Operations, Licensing, and Training Standards for investigation.

The spokesperson said the authority would seek to establish why the aircraft’s doors were reportedly shut while the air-conditioning and ventilation systems were not functioning, particularly amid prevailing high temperatures.

Achimugu added that a determination would be made by the relevant directorate if the passenger’s account, including the alleged absence of an explanation or apology, was substantiated.

However, he defended the cabin crew’s decision to consider removing the passenger from the aircraft, explaining that their actions might have been motivated by safety concerns.

According to him, although Usman was familiar with his reaction to excessive heat, the crew members could not have known the cause of his bleeding or whether he required immediate medical attention.

He cautioned passengers against obstructing cabin crew members from carrying out their safety responsibilities, noting that crew members are responsible for protecting everyone on board.

Achimugu also referenced heightened health vigilance following recent Ebola concerns, saying airline personnel were expected to take unusual symptoms seriously and respond in line with established safety procedures.

He maintained that the aircraft’s captain had a responsibility to ensure the safety of all passengers and could have insisted that the affected passenger undergo a medical assessment before departure.

The NCAA’s investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported ventilation failure, the prolonged wait inside the aircraft and the crew’s handling of the passenger’s condition.