By: Zagazola Makama

Passengers of a Max Air flight scheduled to depart Maiduguri on Monday were left stranded after the pilot reportedly refused to operate the flight over an internal dispute with the airline’s management.

The incident occurred after passengers had completed boarding procedures and were awaiting departure clearance at the Maiduguri International Airport.

According to eyewitnesses, airline staff suddenly informed the already boarded passengers to disembark and return to the terminal, citing the pilot’s refusal to fly.

A source at the airport told the Zagazola Makama that the pilot declined to fly the aircraft, alleging that the management owed him money.

“The passengers had already checked in and about to be boarded when the pilot insisted he would not fly until his entitlements were settled. The airline staff later announced that the flight had been cancelled,” the source said.

The development left many passengers frustrated, with some expressing anger over the abrupt disruption and lack of immediate alternative arrangements.

Max Air’s management and officials have remained mute on matters at the time of filing this report.