Tunisian Pilot Speaks Out, Says Libyan Authorities Defied Safety Warnings in Diverting Super Eagles’ Flight

October 15, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Tunisian pilot who flew Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, to Libya for the African Cup of Nations qualifier, has come forward to expose the alarming events surrounding the flight diversion.

During a candid 2-minute, 20-second interview, the seasoned pilot recounted the harrowing experience, detailing how he repeatedly warned Libyan authorities about the dangers of diverting the chartered ValueJet aircraft.

Despite securing prior approval to land at Benghazi Benina Airport, the pilot was shockingly instructed to redirect to Al-Abraq International Airport, a staggering 150 miles (300 kilometers) farther east.

With grave concern, the pilot alerted Libyan authorities at least eight times, citing critical fuel shortage and potential safety breaches. However, his urgent warnings fell on deaf ears, as officials callously cited “orders from above” to justify their actions.

He said, “The flight plane was to land at the destination which was Benghazi Benina and we got approval from the Libyan aviation authorities to land but unfortunately when we signed to land they asked us to divert to Al-Abraq International Airport which is at almost 150 miles, that is 300 kilometres, more far, but it is at the east.

“It was not even our alternate. It is not good because in aviation we have our flight men, we calculate the fuel to our destination to avoid this kind of thing because it makes a breach to safety.

“I and my flight men explained to the Benghazi authority but they said no, that it was an order from the highest authorities and that Al-Abraq is better.”