Nigerian passengers travelling on EgyptAir flight MS879 from Cairo to Abuja and Kano on Sunday, February 1, 2026, have accused the airline of subjecting them to prolonged delays, degrading treatment, and discriminatory denial of basic passenger rights.
The flight, initially scheduled to depart at 9:00 a.m., was delayed multiple times—first to 12 noon, then 3:30 p.m., and later 5:30 p.m.—leaving passengers stranded for over eight hours without clear explanations, welfare support, or reassurance from airline officials.
Passengers heading to Kano reported a similar experience, with schedules repeatedly altered and no official communication provided throughout the ordeal.
Tensions escalated further when several passengers revealed that business class ticket holders were involuntarily moved to economy class, allegedly without consent, apology, or compensation—an action many described as a clear breach of international aviation standards.
Efforts by passengers to seek clarification and compensation reportedly yielded troubling responses. Some EgyptAir staff were said to have informed passengers that only European travellers delayed beyond five hours were eligible for compensation, including payments of up to $600, effectively excluding Nigerians from such entitlements.
“This is not just about delay; it is about dignity,” a stranded passenger said. “There was no information, no care, and no respect.”
The incident has reignited long-standing concerns over the treatment of Nigerian passengers by foreign airlines, particularly on international routes where regulatory oversight is perceived to be weak.
The latest episode follows closely on the heels of a recent controversy involving Saudia Airlines, which drew diplomatic attention and compelled Saudi authorities to issue a formal apology to the Nigerian government over similar complaints of passenger maltreatment.
Aviation analysts and passenger rights advocates are now urging the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to swiftly investigate the incident and enforce compliance with international passenger protection regulations.
As at the time of filing this report, EgyptAir had not released any official statement addressing the complaints.