Femi Ashekun/
A Delta Airlines flight from Lagos to Atlanta was forced to make an emergency diversion to Accra after a fire broke out in the aircraft’s oven, according to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed in a statement that Flight DL055, which departed Lagos on Tuesday was diverted mid-route due to the incident.
The fire was contained, but the crew had exceeded their allowable duty hours by the time the issue was resolved, making it impossible for the flight to continue to Atlanta.
Some passengers were rebooked on Delta’s Accra–New York flight that same evening, with additional rebookings carried out the following day.
The diverted flight eventually departed Accra for Atlanta at about 12pm on Thursday.
Achimugu also addressed disruptions on the airline’s return service from Atlanta to Lagos on Thursday, confirming that the flight was cancelled.
He noted that while passengers were informed ahead of time, those who arrived at the airport were accommodated with hotel transportation.
He disclosed that 23 affected passengers had been rebooked on Air France, while others were being airlifted on British Airways, KLM, and Lufthansa.
Remaining passengers are scheduled to travel on Delta’s next Lagos-bound service on Friday, at 11.40am.
Contrary to speculation, Achimugu clarified that the Air France service from Accra had not been cancelled and was scheduled to operate at 1.30am Friday.
He assured that follow-up efforts were ongoing to minimise passenger inconvenience.
0
