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The Aero Contractors Nigeria Ltd. on Monday explained why one of its aircrafts used a ladder to disembark 34 passengers at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi on Saturday.
The incident generated widespread anger and condemnation by Nigerians and authorities who saw images. The incident followed a malfunctioning of the air stairs at the airport.
Capt. Russell Foon, Acting Managing Director, Aero Contractors, said that the circumstances leading to the incident was regrettable. the airline.
Below is a statement by the airline, explaining what happened:
“Prior to leaving Abuja, the flight despatcher contacted the Airport manager to advise that the aircraft was taxing out and he confirmed that they were ready to receive the flight. At 10:42am, the aircraft touched down on Runway 35 at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport. The controller advised the crew that due to the absence of marshallers and ramp officials, parking would be at their own discretion.
“At 10:44am, the flight despatcher on board contacted the Airport manager to advise him that they were on the ground, to which he confirmed that he has seen the aircraft and that they were waiting.
“After parking, the captain reported that they waited for 10 minutes for the stairs to be brought to the aircraft but no assistance or stairs came to the aircraft. The captain reported that he informed the passengers of the situation as they were beginning to get agitated. What was not known to the crew at the beginning of the flight was that the groom was on board. The wedding was to start in 20 minutes. At this point the captain went to the cabin and explained to the passengers that he may have to take them back to Abuja as they cannot disembark due to lack of stairs.
“The passengers said the alternative, which the fire service provided was a ladder which the passengers took as an option and on their own free will used the ladder to disembark against the wishes of the captain and crew.
“The passengers said they could no longer wait for the airstairs as they were in Bauchi to attend a wedding. The 34 passengers, including the groom, were said to have pressured the pilot that they disembark from the aircraft with a ladder due to the delay.”