A Nigerian traveler caused a disturbance at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after being denied boarding for lacking the necessary visa to enter France. Gloria Omisore, who flew from Lagos, Nigeria, to Nairobi, was intending to travel to Manchester, England, via Paris on February 3. However, during check-in, airline staff informed her that she did not have the required visa for France.
She was given an alternative flight to London, but of course, with her frustration growing, she was aggressive toward the check-in agents. Omisore demanded compensation and refused the itinerary, creating tension.
In a bizarre outburst, Omisore was seen flaunting three used sanitary pads at the check-in counter. One of them fell on the ground. A video taken at the scene shows an angry Omisore demanding a sanitary towel and refusing to give her phone. An exasperated check-in agent had returned fire, saying, “Call the president of Nigeria. Call the president of Nigeria. You will not fly on Kenya Airways. You will never enter our airline again.”
Later, Kenya Airways released a statement saying that the airline does not pay for accommodation if passengers are denied boarding because of visa issues. “Unhappy with this option, the guest demanded accommodation, which Kenya Airways does not provide in cases where boarding is denied due to visa requirements. It is the responsibility of passengers to ensure they have the necessary documentation for their journey,” the statement read.
It is distressing that the guest resorted to inappropriate behavior by removing and throwing three used sanitary pads at our employees. Such conduct is very reprehensible and we strongly condemn it. Even as we commit ourselves to great service, our interactions must always be based on mutual respect,” the airline fumed. Our employees deserve to work in a safe and dignified environment, and we do not abide by any abuse from our employees or guests.
Discussions between the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and Kenya Airways saw an agreement reached to deport Omisore back to Nigeria on the same day. Spokesperson Michael Achimugu confirmed, saying, “Per our discussion with the station manager, the passenger will be flown back to Nigeria tonight. This is agreeable on all sides.”
