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

Among those affected was former Kaduna State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, who joined other passengers in condemning the airline’s handling of the disruption.

In statements and video clips released to journalists in Kaduna, Makarfi likened the incident to previous cases of alleged maltreatment of Nigerian travellers by foreign airlines.

“This is similar to what Nigerians experienced with Saudi Airlines. Today, February 1, 2026, EgyptAir has neglected and maltreated Nigerian passengers travelling to Abuja and Kano,” he said.

According to Makarfi, flight MS877 to Abuja, originally scheduled to depart at 9:00 a.m., was first delayed to 12 noon, then 3:30 p.m., and later rescheduled for 5:30 p.m., without clear communication or adequate passenger support.

“We were left without any official explanation for the repeated delays. Nigerians were simply neglected by the airline management at Cairo Airport,” he said.

He further alleged that some business-class passengers were downgraded to economy class without prior notice or justification, adding that uncertainty also surrounded the EgyptAir flight bound for Kano.

said passengers who inquired about compensation were informed that only European passengers delayed for more than five hours were eligible for monetary compensation of about $600, a claim that further heightened tensions.

Video footage from the airport showed Nigerian passengers staging protests, accusing EgyptAir of abandoning them without accommodation, meals, or basic welfare support during the prolonged wait.

Several passengers said they were travelling for medical treatment and were already dealing with serious health challenges, making the situation particularly distressing.

In the footage, EgyptAir officials were seen attempting to calm the aggrieved passengers as protests intensified, with some travellers threatening legal action if adequate compensation and redress were not provided.

As of the time of filing this report, EgyptAir had not issued an official statement addressing the delays or the allegations raised by the stranded Nigerian passengers.