CAIRO, EGYPT – Hundreds of Nigerian travelers bound for Abuja and Kano have been left stranded at Cairo International Airport today, February 1, 2026, following a series of unexplained delays and alleged maltreatment by EgyptAir staff.
The situation has sparked outrage among passengers, including high-profile Nigerian political figures, who claim the airline is practicing a double standard in its treatment of African travelers compared to their European counterparts.
Delayed, Downgraded, and Disregarded
The ordeal began early Sunday morning. Flight MS877 to Abuja, originally scheduled for a 9:00 AM departure, suffered a series of rolling delays—first to 12:00 PM, then 3:30 PM, and most recently 5:30 PM.
Passengers reported a total lack of “comfort or explanation” during the wait. Adding to the tension, several Business Class passengers were reportedly downgraded to Economy Class without prior notice or justification.
A similar crisis is unfolding for passengers traveling to Kano. Their 10:00 AM flight has seen no movement or updates as of late afternoon, leaving families and business travelers in a state of uncertainty.
Allegations of Discrimination
The most provocative claim involves the airline’s stance on compensation. Speaking to Standard Daily Press, a former Nigerian Governor and a National Chairman of an opposition party—both caught in the disruption—revealed a disturbing interaction with airport staff.
”When we made enquiries regarding compensation for these extensive delays, we were told point-blank that only European passengers delayed for more than five hours are entitled to the $600 monetary compensation,” the officials said.
This alleged policy has drawn immediate parallels to recent reports of maltreatment of Nigerians by Saudi Arabian Airlines, raising broader questions about how international carriers perceive and value Nigerian passengers.
A Growing Pattern?
As of 3:30 PM, passengers remained at the terminal with no definitive word on when—or if—they would depart. The lack of refreshments, accommodation, or formal apologies from EgyptAir has led many to call for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene.
At the time of this report, EgyptAir has not released an official statement regarding the technical or operational reasons for the delays of MS877 or the Kano-bound flight.
