Nigerian passengers aboard EgyptAir flight MS879 from Cairo to Abuja and Kano have accused the airline of subjecting them to inhumane treatment, prolonged delays, and discriminatory denial of passenger rights.
The flight, originally scheduled to depart Cairo for Abuja at 9:00 a.m. on February 1, 2026, was first delayed to 12:00 noon, then rescheduled to 3:30 p.m., and later shifted again to 5:30 p.m., leaving passengers stranded for hours without clear communication, refreshments, or accommodation.
Passengers bound for Kano on the same route reported experiencing similar delays and confusion, with no official explanation provided by the airline.
Several travelers also alleged that business class passengers were arbitrarily downgraded to economy class without prior notice, apology, or compensation, further heightening tensions at the airport.
According to affected passengers, attempts to seek clarification or compensation from EgyptAir officials were met with dismissive responses. Some airline staff reportedly told passengers that only European travelers delayed for more than five hours were entitled to compensation, including monetary payments of up to $600, effectively excluding Nigerian passengers from such protections.
“No one knows what is happening. There is no information, no comfort, and no respect for passengers,” one affected traveler said.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over the treatment of Nigerian passengers by foreign airlines operating international routes.
The development comes barely weeks after a similar controversy involving Saudia Airlines, which drew diplomatic attention and resulted in a formal apology from Saudi authorities to the Nigerian government following complaints of passenger maltreatment.
Aviation observers and passenger rights advocates have called on Nigerian aviation authorities to urgently investigate the EgyptAir incident and enforce international aviation regulations to protect Nigerian travelers from discriminatory practices.
As of the time of filing this report, EgyptAir had not issued an official statement on the incident.
Nigerian Passengers Decry Inhumane Treatment on Delayed EgyptAir Flight
