A dramatic scene unfolded at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as a male passenger was forcibly removed from an aircraft operated by Enugu Air, Nigeria’s newly launched state-owned carrier.
Videos of the incident quickly went viral online, sparking nationwide debate about passenger conduct, airline professionalism, and the future reputation of Enugu’s young carrier.
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The Incident
According to eyewitness videos circulating online, at least eight officials—including airline and airport staff—surrounded the passenger and attempted to drag him off the plane.
One clip shows the man struggling as officials pulled at his clothes, leaving him without his slippers. A bystander who filmed the moment could be heard saying:
“They pulled his trousers earlier, now no slippers.”
Eventually, the officials succeeded in dragging him off the aircraft and onto the tarmac, where he was escorted away under heavy resistance.
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Possible Cause
While neither Enugu Air nor the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has released an official statement, some unconfirmed reports suggest that the man may have been occupying an exit-row seat—a section reserved only for passengers deemed physically capable of assisting in emergencies.
When he allegedly refused to move, staff were forced to intervene, escalating the situation into a full-blown public drama.
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About Enugu Air
The incident is particularly significant because Enugu Air only launched operations in July 2025, as a state-owned carrier run in partnership with XeJet.
The airline does not yet have its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and currently operates under XeJet’s license.
It was celebrated as a bold step to revive air travel in the southeast, giving Enugu State its own regional airline.
Unfortunately, this early controversy is now dominating headlines instead of the airline’s achievements.
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Reactions Online
The viral videos triggered a wave of reactions across social media, with Nigerians split between blaming the passenger and criticizing the airline’s handling of the matter.
Some argued that the passenger was “unruly and deserved to be removed”, warning that safety rules must be strictly followed to avoid disasters.
Others criticized Enugu Air’s approach, calling the dragging “unprofessional and humiliating” for a brand-new airline still trying to win public trust.
A few users compared the event to recent aviation dramas, nicknaming it “KWAM 3” in reference to earlier confrontations involving Fuji legend KWAM 1 and other Nigerian airlines.
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Wider Context
This is not the first time Nigerian airlines have made headlines for dramatic in-flight altercations.
In August 2025, Ibom Air was in the spotlight after Comfort Emmanson clashed with airline officials mid-flight.
Shortly after, a confrontation involving KWAM 1 on a ValueJet flight also trended online.
The Enugu Air drama now adds to the growing list, raising concerns that Nigeria’s aviation industry is becoming prone to viral passenger-airline conflicts.
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What’s Next?
As of now, no official statement has been released by Enugu Air or airport authorities. Passengers and the public are demanding explanations about the incident, particularly the reasons behind the man’s forceful removal.
For Enugu Air, this episode could either serve as a learning curve in managing passengers with professionalism—or risk denting the reputation of a carrier barely two months old.
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Conclusion
The Enugu airline drama highlights the need for balance between passenger rights and airline rules. While safety regulations must be respected, airlines—especially new ones—must also ensure disputes are handled with professionalism to avoid damaging optics.
For now, Nigerians are left with questions: Was this drama avoidable? Who was at fault—the passenger or the airline? And will Enugu Air survive this early turbulence with its reputation intact?