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Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo has addressed the double standards often faced by Nigerian airlines, highlighting the importance of prioritising safety over impatience during delays.
“In aviation, everything is about safety. Nigerian passengers must understand that safety is the key.” he said, “We need Nigerian travelling public to understand that for certain incidence such as technical issues that cause delay, we must not compromise… Nigerian passengers must understand that safety is the key. So I think the biggest lesson should be to the travelling public. When the airline say ‘for technical issues’, ‘for operational reasons’, stay quietly.”
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Sunday, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, provided insights into the state of Nigerian aviation and recent safety concerns. Reflecting on a near-disaster involving an American airline flight from Lagos to Washington DC on Friday, Prof Okonkwo commended the crew’s efforts in averting tragedy. The flight, carrying 245 passengers, was forced to return to Lagos for an emergency landing after encountering technical malfunctions.
Expressing empathy for the airline, Prof Okonkwo praised the professionalism exhibited during the incident. He remarked,
“We, the airline operators of Nigeria, empathise with United Airlines. It’s really something unfortunate, and we thank God it wasn’t worse than that.”
Prof Okonkwo noted that had the incident involved a Nigerian carrier, public backlash would likely have been severe. He called for fairness and understanding, highlighting the need for patience when flights are delayed due to technical or operational issues.
When questioned about the repeated issues with the aircraft involved in Friday’s incident, Prof Okonkwo defended the airline and its engineers, explaining that aviation operates under stringent global standards.
“The fault flagged by the crew was rectified by certified professionals. What happened is not out of place in the industry. I doubt if there was any negligence,” he said.
Addressing technological threats such as GPS jamming and navigation spoofing, Prof Okonkwo stressed the importance of compliance with international standards. He remarked,
“Safety in aviation is regulated globally. If there are new technologies required, they must be adopted. Non-compliance means the aircraft won’t leave the ground.”
On the high cost of local travel and operational challenges, Prof Okonkwo explained that fluctuating passenger numbers and operational costs contribute to the pricing structure.
“For example, a flight carrying 189 passengers to Enugu and returning with just three incurs the same operating cost both ways. These factors influence ticket prices,” he said.
Prof Okonkwo reiterated that the Nigerian travelling public must exhibit understanding and patience, emphasising that aviation prioritises safety above all else. “It’s not about how soon you get there but how safe you arrive,” he concluded.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
The post Prioritise Safety Over Time, United Nigeria’s Okonkwo Urges Airline Passengers appeared first on Arise News.
