Extreme Weather Conditions Lead to Air France Flight Cancellations

Air France has addressed concerns raised by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, regarding Nigerian passengers reportedly stranded in Chad due to a flight cancellation.

In a statement on X on Saturday, the airline confirmed the incident, attributing the flight cancellation to a heavy storm.

“Our flight AF878, scheduled to connect N’Djamena to Abuja, then Paris-Charles de Gaulle, on Friday, May 31, 2024, was canceled due to a heavy storm in N’Djamena. The aircraft A330’s hull was damaged before takeoff,” Air France stated.

Emphasizing its commitment to passenger safety, the airline said, “Air France reiterates that the safety of its customers and crews is its absolute imperative.”

To mitigate the situation, Air France assured that it had taken measures to accommodate the affected passengers. “The company has taken care to accommodate all customers in hotels, ensuring the best conditions of safety and comfort, near N’Djamena airport,” the statement read.

Regarding new flight arrangements, Air France added, “Some customers will be able to board AF820 on Sunday, June 2, at 7:45 PM (landing in Abuja at 9:15 PM), and others will board AF 4191 on Monday, June 3, at 8:15 AM (landing in Abuja at 10:15 AM).”

Air France acknowledged the inconvenience caused and expressed regret, stating, “Air France regrets the inconvenience caused by this situation.”

This response follows Keyamo’s concerns about Nigerians stranded in Chad due to the flight cancellation and his call for Air France to issue a statement on the matter. Earlier, Keyamo said, “It has come to my attention that some Nigerians on an Air France flight from Paris to Abuja are presently stranded in Chad, from where the flight earlier dropped some passengers.

“I have immediately directed the Consumer Protection Department of NCAA to swing into action and engage Air France. We shall inform everyone of the outcome soon. Meanwhile, I urge @AirFranceNG to immediately issue a statement on the fate of those Nigerians.”