“NCAA Probes Kenya Airways Over Passenger Visa Error” — Airline Criticized For Boarding Nigerian Without Schengen Check

The passenger, identified as Ms. Omisore G., was traveling from Lagos to Manchester via Nairobi and Paris. Upon arriving in Nairobi for her connecting flight to Paris, the airline discovered that she did not possess a Schengen Visa. Kenya Airways claimed on its X handle that it offered her an alternative route through London to Manchester, but she declined. The airline also stated that it does not provide accommodation for passengers denied boarding due to visa issues.

According to the airline, “The guest was traveling from Lagos to Nairobi, Paris, and Manchester. On arrival in Nairobi for her connecting flight (Nairobi-Paris), it was discovered that she did not have a Schengen Visa, which is a requirement for entering any European Union country.

“She was offered an alternative to travel through London and onward to Manchester, which she refused. Upon further investigation, we have established that the video does not provide full context. Unhappy with this option, the guest demanded accommodation, which Kenya Airways does not provide in cases where boarding is denied due to visa requirements.”

Reacting to the video and Kenya Airways’ statement, NCAA’s spokesperson, Mike Achimugu, condemned the incident, stating that unruly passenger behavior is inexcusable but also criticized Kenya Airways for how it handled the situation. Achimugu blamed the airline for failing to verify the passenger’s visa eligibility before issuing her a boarding pass in Lagos and criticized the airline for the inappropriate remarks made by one of its staff during the altercation.

Achimugu further stated that the NCAA has summoned Kenya Airways’ Acting Station Manager in Lagos for a mandatory meeting to review the incident and has demanded CCTV footage to verify the airline’s claims that the passenger threw sanitary pads at one of its officials.

“There is a long history of maltreatment by your airline against Nigerian passengers. These passengers include staff of the NCAA. I have advised the passenger that unruly behavior is inexcusable at any airport, and she can be blacklisted by the airline and even pay fines.

“You should not have allowed her to board your flight from Nigeria if she was not qualified due to visa requirements. You issued her boarding passes and let her leave Lagos.

She flew into Nigeria via your airline on the same route. She claims to have called the airline before paying for the ticket and was told that she was qualified since she owns a Biometric Residence Permit.

“The statements made by your staff were inappropriate for someone in the industry. ‘Call your president’ insinuates a lot. You will be asked to provide CCTV footage showing that she threw her used sanitary towels at your staff rather than placing them on the table when asked by your personnel to provide evidence that she was bleeding.

“The NCAA has invited your Acting Station Manager in Lagos to a meeting by 1 pm today. We will review all of the issues. Attendance is mandatory,” Achimugu said.