Nigerian passengers protest 12-hour delay at Cairo airport over EgyptAir flights

Several Nigerian passengers travelling on EgyptAir flights to Abuja and Kano were left stranded at Cairo International Airport for more than 12 hours on Sunday following repeated flight delays, sparking protests over what they described as neglect and discriminatory treatment.

Affected passengers said the delays, which stretched through most of the day, were communicated poorly, with little or no clear explanation provided by airline officials. Many complained that despite the prolonged wait, they were not offered adequate assistance, refreshments or accommodation.

Eyewitnesses said frustration boiled over when some passengers alleged that travellers from other countries on delayed EgyptAir flights were attended to more promptly, while Nigerians were left unattended. This led to heated exchanges and brief protests within the terminal as passengers demanded answers and immediate action.

Parents travelling with children and elderly passengers were said to be among those most affected by the disruption. Some passengers also expressed concern over missed connecting flights and important engagements in Nigeria.

As of Sunday evening, it was unclear when the affected flights would depart. EgyptAir had not issued an official statement addressing the cause of the delays or the allegations raised by the stranded passengers at the time of filing this report.