Quantcast

Lufthansa forced to offload passengers due to runway damage

Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
Lufthansa forced to offload passengers due to runway damage
Policy
Webp lufthansaairbusa330
Lufthansa Airbus A330 | Official Website

A Lufthansa Airbus A330 heading to Frankfurt had to offload 45 passengers due to safety concerns. According to Sahara Reporters, a large hole developed at one end of the runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria. This issue led aviation authorities from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to restrict part of the runway, reducing its usable length for departures.

The shortened runway posed challenges for Lufthansa's Airbus A330-300 widebody jet, which typically requires a longer distance for safe takeoff. While minimum takeoff distances can vary based on factors like aircraft weight and weather conditions, the full load capacity may necessitate approximately 2,700 to 3,100 meters.

Initially, 200 passengers were booked on the flight. The airline’s Airbus A330-300 accommodates up to 255 passengers across business class, premium economy, and economy sections.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Following the offloading of passengers, Lufthansa arranged alternative travel plans. One affected passenger informed THISDAY that Lufthansa took them to Abuja Continental Hotel and rescheduled their flight for July 27th. The decision on which passengers would be offloaded caused confusion among travelers eager to reach their destination.

When operational or safety issues arise leading airlines to remove passengers from flights, they usually rebook them on subsequent flights and provide necessary accommodations like hotel stays and meals if delays occur overnight.

This incident is noted as rare; a similar situation occurred in summer 2023 when an easyJet pilot asked passengers to disembark voluntarily due to weight concerns under specific conditions at Lanzarote Airport.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025