Thousands of intending passengers to European countries got stranded in the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Sunday as severe winter in Europe led to flights cancellations and shut down of many airports.
The passengers who had thronged to the airport with the hope of boarding flights to their different destinations were disappointed when they learnt that their flights had been canceled.
While the Virgin Atlantic flight which was expected to depart the airport was canceled, other European flights operated by British Airways, KLM- Air France and Lufthansa expected in Lagos did not arrive.
British Airways scheduled to arrive from London by 3.00pm did not arrive as at 4.30pm, while the KLM Air France flight which was to pick some US bound passengers for Delta Air did not arrive.
A statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Consultant of British Airways in Nigeria, Qoudrant Communication Limited, and signed by Muyiwa Moyela, said: ” Due to extreme weather conditions at Unitd Kingdom airports, there have been temporary disruption to in bound and outbound flights.
“Tonight’s flight flight to terminal five from Lagos Airport has been rescheduled. Tomorrow’s flight from terminal five to Lagos and Abuja may be affected and today’s flight from Abuja to terminal five had to be diverted to Brussels tonight. Passengers will be lifted out of Brussels to London tomorrow barring any other unforeseen issues.”
Arik Air also announced the cancellation of its London flight due to the closure of the Heathrow Airport.
In a telephone interview, the spokesperson for Arik Air, Ola Banji confirmed that the flight to the United Kingdom remained canceled pending the improvement of the weather.
Some of the passengers said they could not blame the airlines for the cancellation because it was weather related. Others said they decided to give it a trial. They said the airline had informed them about the delay.