Saudi Air Leaves Over 3,000 Nigerian Passengers Without Luggage
More than 3,000 Nigerian passengers returning from Saudi Arabia have been left without their luggage after Saudi Air failed to transport their belongings to Nigeria, leaving an estimated 180 tonnes of baggage stranded in Jeddah.
The situation has sparked frustration among affected passengers, many of whom arrived in Nigeria without their personal effects after completing their trips.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has intervened in the matter, confirming the scale of the baggage backlog and engaging the airline over efforts to return the stranded luggage.
The NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, said the regulator was aware of the passengers’ complaints and was working to ensure that the airline resolved the crisis.
Achimugu disclosed that eight tonnes of the stranded luggage had already been transported from Jeddah following the NCAA’s intervention, but noted that a significant backlog remained.
According to him, more than 3,000 passengers are affected, with an estimated 180 tonnes of their luggage still in Jeddah.
The NCAA spokesperson said the authority had been in direct communication with the airline’s management over the matter, adding that discussions were ongoing to expedite the transportation of the remaining baggage to Nigeria.
He said the airline had also been reminded of its obligations to passengers and the need to prioritise consumer protection amid the crisis.
Saudi Air has reportedly assured affected passengers that it would compensate those eligible, provided they formally submit complaints through its designated online complaints platform.
The airline also promised to transport the outstanding luggage to Nigeria within the next few days.
Passengers seeking refunds for eligible tickets have been directed to use a separate refund platform provided by the airline.
According to the NCAA, Saudi Air attributed some of the challenges affecting baggage transportation to operational difficulties out of Kano.
The regulator said it was assisting the airline in addressing the operational challenges while insisting that the welfare and rights of passengers must remain central to the resolution process.
Achimugu also disclosed that the airline had appointed a new country manager for its Nigerian operations. The appointment is expected to strengthen the airline’s engagement with the NCAA and improve communication with affected passengers.
The NCAA assured passengers that it would continue to engage Saudi Air until the baggage crisis was fully resolved.
The authority also urged affected passengers to formally lodge their complaints with the airline and remain informed about developments concerning the return of their luggage.
