The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, has cautioned families against allowing sick or elderly relatives to travel alone by air, warning that aircraft cabins are not equipped to function as medical facilities.
On his X account, Achimugu recounted recent in-flight incidents involving elderly passengers who became seriously ill during flights, said such situations often leave cabin crew with limited options, as their medical training is restricted to basic emergency response.
He noted that in one incident, an elderly woman travelling alone reportedly lost control of her bladder mid-flight due to illness and exhaustion, while in another case, a sick elderly first-time flyer nearly collapsed during severe turbulence. According to Achimugu, the passengers’ families were aware of their medical conditions but still allowed them to travel unaccompanied.
He stressed that while airlines provide a minimum level of medical assistance, they are not substitutes for hospitals or professional caregivers. The NCAA spokesperson also advised families to ensure that elderly or medically vulnerable passengers travel with appropriate support or medical clearance when necessary.
Achimugu further warned expectant mothers at full term against air travel, noting that both maternal and infant safety could be compromised in the event of medical emergencies during flights.
He urged the public to prioritise safety and proper planning when making travel arrangements for vulnerable passengers.
“This sick, elderly woman travelling alone urinated on herself mid-flight and was too tired, afraid, and unsure of what to do. She just sat there until the passenger next to her began to complain about the smell of the pee and called the attention of cabin crew.
“Another sick, elderly passenger, another flight, flying solitary, almost passed on due turbulence. He was a first time flyer, and his grown up kids let him fly alone despite knowing about his underlying conditions.
“I have said this before, and I will say it again: do not let your sick elderly travel alone. Airlines and aircraft are not hospitals. There is a minimum amount of care that cabin crew are trained to provide to suddenly ill passengers, but nothing more. Sometimes you may be lucky of there are medical personnel on board amongst the passengers, sometimes, not so much.
“If your pregnancy is already at full term, do not take the risk of travelling. Your safety, and that of your baby, are priority. Can’t stress this enough.”, he said.
One Comment