
Lufthansa Airlines was forced to offload 45 passengers and all checked-in luggage on Wednesday night in Abuja after a gaping hole on the runway shortened takeoff space, compromising safety for its fully-booked Airbus A330-300 flight to Frankfurt.
The emergency measure followed a partial closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which cordoned off the damaged portion, reducing the usable length of the 3,610-meter airstrip.
Aviation expert and Aero Contractors CEO, Capt. Ado Sanusi, explained that aircraft must reduce weight when the runway length is shortened: “It’s the only way to safely generate enough thrust within a limited distance,” he said.
Passengers described the situation as chaotic, citing last-minute selection of who to drop and confusion over luggage. “They called passengers in groups, then skipped one group entirely. Those who flew had no checked baggage,” said one traveler.
Others criticized the airline for poor communication and delays, revealing that the pilot had considered canceling the flight altogether due to unclear weather and insufficient notice about the runway damage. Insiders suggest the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) may not have included updated warnings.
The disruption has sparked outrage, with some travelers now considering legal action. For many, the incident disrupted critical plans and professional commitments abroad.
Still, some commended Lufthansa’s professionalism in handling logistics and accommodation despite the setback.