On Monday, passengers at Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri, Borno State, experienced significant delays when a Max Air pilot reportedly refused to operate a scheduled flight due to unresolved financial disagreements with the airline’s management team.
This unexpected standstill left over 100 travelers stranded for several hours, causing confusion and frustration within the terminal as passengers sought answers from airline representatives.
According to eyewitness accounts, boarding had been completed and passengers were ready for departure when the pilot allegedly declined to proceed, citing outstanding payments and unsettled dues owed by the airline to its flight crew.
One observer, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the situation initially unfolded quietly but escalated after flight attendants informed passengers that the delay stemmed from a dispute between the pilot and airline management.
The eyewitness recalled, “We were all seated and buckled in, anticipating takeoff, when the crew suddenly instructed everyone to disembark.”
“There was confusion-some assumed it was a technical fault, but it soon became clear the pilot refused to fly due to unpaid wages.”
Passengers, visibly upset, had to leave the aircraft and return to the departure lounge, where they endured hours of waiting with little to no communication from the airline.
Another passenger, identified as Madu, confirmed that boarding was complete before the crew abruptly halted the flight.
“It was quite startling,” Madu said. “We were prepared for takeoff, then told to leave the plane. Tensions rose, and some passengers confronted the airline staff.”
After prolonged uncertainty, the internal dispute was eventually settled, and passengers were allowed to re-board the plane.
The flight departed around 2:00 p.m., according to airport officials.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), acknowledged awareness of the incident but noted that the regulator did not intervene since the matter was resolved amicably.
“The flight took off shortly after 2:00 p.m., indicating the issue was settled,” Achimugu said. “As this was an internal conflict between the airline and its staff, and the aircraft eventually departed, the NCAA considers the case closed.”
“The NCAA generally refrains from involvement in salary disputes unless a formal complaint is lodged or there is a safety concern.”
When reached for comment, Max Air’s Executive Director, Shehu Wada, minimized the event, describing it as a “miscommunication” between the pilot and management.
“It was merely a communication lapse, which has since been resolved,” Wada stated. “There was no crisis, and the flight has departed with operations continuing normally.”
Nonetheless, this episode has reignited conversations within Nigeria’s aviation sector regarding persistent labor disputes and employee welfare issues among private airlines.
