A Nigerian passenger, identified as Mr. Adewale Omotayo, has taken legal action against Virgin Atlantic Airways following the loss of his checked-in luggage on a recent flight from London to Lagos. The suit, filed at the Lagos High Court, seeks compensation for missing valuables and damages for the distress caused.
Omotayo, a businessman, alleged that upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, his luggage was nowhere to be found despite assurances from airline officials. He stated that the suitcase contained expensive personal belongings, including designer clothing, business documents, and electronic gadgets valued at over N5 million.
Virgin Atlantic’s customer service initially promised to locate the bag within 48 hours but failed to do so, Omotayo claims. He further noted that repeated follow-ups yielded no results, prompting him to seek legal redress.
His legal representative argues that the airline violated the Montreal Convention, which mandates airlines to ensure passengers receive their checked baggage safely. The lawsuit demands a full refund for the missing items, a written apology, and additional compensation for emotional distress.
The case has sparked discussions on airlines’ accountability regarding baggage handling, with consumer rights advocates calling for stricter enforcement of compensation policies. The court is set to hear the case in the coming weeks.