Kenya Airways has tendered an apology to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), admitting fault in the mistreatment of Nigerian passenger Gloria Omisore.

The incident, which sparked outrage, was further compounded by the airline’s initial misleading statement before it was forced to set the record straight.

Following pressure from the NCAA, Kenya Airways officials met with the regulatory body in Abuja, where they acknowledged their failure to properly handle the passenger’s situation before flying her out of Lagos. 

NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the airline’s admission, stating that they accepted responsibility regardless of whether a phone call was made regarding the issue.

“Their team has apologised for the obfuscation of facts in their earlier statement. They also admitted that phone call or not, it was the airline’s fault for failing to identify the issue before airlifting the passenger from Lagos,” Achimugu stated. 

The controversy deepened after Kenya Airways’ initial public statement distorted key facts, a move Achimugu condemned. He insisted on a public apology not only to Omisore but also to the NCAA for the misrepresentation. The airline has since revised its statement, reflecting the true sequence of events that unfolded in Nairobi.

Kenya Airways’ Country Manager, James Nganga, along with senior representatives from the airline, attended the meeting with NCAA officials. Their presence signaled an attempt to contain the fallout, but the damage to the airline’s reputation—especially among Nigerian travelers—may take longer to repair.