Usman said passengers boarded the aircraft at 12.07 pm but remained inside for about 50 minutes after the doors were closed, with neither the engines running nor the air conditioning functioning.
According to him, the heat eventually became unbearable, causing him to start bleeding.
He said the cabin crew subsequently approached him and indicated that he would have to leave the aircraft because of the bleeding, apparently out of concern that he might experience a medical emergency during the flight.
However, Usman maintained that he was fine, while other passengers reportedly intervened and expressed concern over the lack of ventilation.
In a post on X, he said some passengers took turns fanning him, while a woman offered him her personal mini hand fan. He credited their intervention with helping him remain on board.
The passenger said the aircraft eventually arrived in Calabar at 2.04 pm, despite the flight having a scheduled duration of just 45 minutes.
Describing the experience as distressing, he thanked fellow passengers for their support and solidarity during the incident.
“To everyone who travelled with me on the Abuja–Calabar flight yesterday, 26 October, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your kindness, solidarity and humanity,” he wrote.
Reacting to the complaint, Achimugu said he had spoken with Usman by telephone and expressed sympathy over his experience.
He added that, after obtaining the name of the airline involved, he would refer the matter to the NCAA’s Directorate of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards (DOLTS) for investigation.
Achimugu said the directorate would examine the circumstances surrounding the reported lack of air conditioning and ventilation while passengers were inside the aircraft with its doors closed.
“We would like to know why the aircraft, in this season of extreme heat, had its door shut and no air conditioning/ventilation, according to your account of the incident,” he stated.
He added that the authority would make a determination if the allegations were established, particularly given Usman’s claim that the crew neither apologised nor explained the situation during the delay or after the aircraft arrived at its destination.
While acknowledging the passenger’s distress, Achimugu cautioned travellers against interfering with cabin crew members as they carry out their safety duties.
He said the crew might have been acting in accordance with established procedures by considering whether Usman needed medical attention, noting that they were not necessarily aware of his medical history or his explanation that heat triggered his bleeding.
Achimugu explained that, although Usman understood his condition, the crew had a responsibility to assess the situation and protect the safety of everyone on board.
He also referenced heightened vigilance among aviation personnel amid recent concerns over Ebola, arguing that cabin crew members must be allowed to respond appropriately to potential medical emergencies.
“Passengers should understand that not everything should be approached with emotions. They cannot stop cabin crew from doing their job. That crew is there to ensure your safety, not antagonise you,” he said.
According to Achimugu, some captains might have declined to proceed with the flight until the affected passenger had been removed for a proper medical assessment.
The NCAA spokesperson said the investigation would determine the circumstances surrounding the reported ventilation failure and the crew’s handling of the incident.
Editorial note: Before publication, verify the airline’s identity, the aircraft’s departure and arrival times, and the NCAA’s official position. The supplied account attributes the investigation announcement to Achimugu but does not establish the airline’s response. Also, the original text uses both “bleeding” and “heat stroke”; these should not be treated as medically equivalent without confirmation.
