The Tunisian pilot responsible for transporting the Nigerian team to Libya has provided insights into the events that resulted in the unanticipated rerouting of their flight to the remote Al-Abraq airport, rather than their planned destination of Benghazi.
This diversion has sparked considerable debate since Sunday, when the Nigerian delegation, traveling to Benghazi for the important 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya scheduled for Tuesday, found themselves stranded for over 16 hours after their flight was redirected mid-journey to Al-Abraq, a small airport primarily designated for hajj operations.
In a video interview shared by our correspondent and posted on X by Sports Journalist Pooja Media on Tuesday, the pilot clarified that the decision to divert was not made at his own discretion but was mandated by Libyan authorities.
“The flight plan was to land at Benghazi, Benina, and we had received approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority for this,” the pilot explained.
“However, as we began our descent, we were instructed to divert to Al-Abraq, which is nearly 150 miles, or approximately 300 kilometers, to the east. This location was not even designated as our alternate airport, which is concerning,” he continued.
The pilot characterized the diversion as potentially hazardous, referencing the fuel calculations that had been made for the original destination.
“In aviation, we adhere to a flight plan and calculate fuel requirements for our intended destination, so such diversions must be avoided as they can compromise safety,” he remarked, noting that he had repeatedly sought clarification on the directive.
“When I requested to land in Benghazi in accordance with my flight plan and authorization, they insisted that it was a directive from the highest authority, and that I must land in Al-Abraq.”
In response to media assertions that the diversion was his decision, he stated, “All actions in aviation are documented; there is no possibility of concealment. I inquired multiple times—at least eight—and cautioned them that I might face fuel issues; they reiterated that it was a directive from the highest authority, and I had to divert immediately.”
The pilot indicated that all pertinent communications and authorizations are recorded and can be presented as evidence if required.
He stated, "The reality was that we were en route to Benghazi, and I possess the documentation of the approval. However, at the last moment, they altered their decision and changed the airport."
In discussing the conditions at Al-Abraq, the pilot emphasized the difficulties associated with landing at what he described as an inadequately equipped domestic airport.
"There is no Instrument Landing System (ILS), no air navigation approach, and no VHF Omnidirectional Range (VHR). We were compelled to execute a visual landing, which is particularly challenging at night under marginal weather conditions," he remarked, noting that the airport's lack of facilities left them with "no second chances" should the landing have failed.
The pilot's experience in the region, having worked there for two years with a Tunisian company, proved essential in navigating the challenging landing.
"It was certainly not a straightforward task. A pilot will recognize that landing under such circumstances was far from easy. Thankfully, we arrived safely," he commented.
In a separate development, the Nigeria Football Federation has opted to withdraw the Super Eagles from the qualifying match against Libya.
"The players have collectively decided not to participate in the match any longer, and NFF officials are arranging for the team's return home," the statement indicated.
No comments:
Post a Comment