Abuja, Nigeria — August 15, 2025 | British Airways has denied boarding to 58 passengers scheduled for its Abuja-to-London flight after a technical fault was detected on the aircraft’s door, prompting safety restrictions.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the airline made the decision to leave some seats unoccupied to ensure the aircraft’s airworthiness and passenger safety. The fault, officials said, did not warrant grounding the flight entirely but required a weight and balance adjustment that reduced the number of passengers permitted onboard.
Affected travelers were reportedly provided with alternative travel arrangements, although some expressed frustration over the short notice and disruption to their plans.
A British Airways spokesperson assured that passenger safety remains the airline’s highest priority and that the necessary technical checks were conducted before departure. NCAA officials also reiterated that all airlines operating in Nigeria must adhere strictly to international safety standards, regardless of operational inconvenience.
The incident adds to a series of recent technical-related flight disruptions globally, highlighting the aviation industry’s heightened focus on preventive safety measures.