Passenger Takes Virgin Atlantic to Court Over Lost Luggage

A Nigerian passenger, Ahmed Rabiu, has filed a lawsuit against Virgin Atlantic Airways at the Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged loss of his luggage on a London-Lagos flight.

Rabiu claims that the airline has failed to either return his luggage or compensate him, despite its assertion that it handled the situation appropriately.

In response, Virgin Atlantic stated that Rabiu did not provide sufficient information on the Property Irregularity Form, making it difficult to trace his missing baggage. The airline also refuted allegations of fraud, recklessness, and negligence.

The plaintiff, a security expert, insists that the airline’s failure to deliver his luggage constitutes a breach of contract. He is seeking $4,000 for the lost items and N20 million in damages for distress, inconvenience, and legal expenses.

According to Rabiu, he boarded Virgin Atlantic flight CNY3JV from London Heathrow to Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport on September 24, 2024. Upon arrival, he waited at the baggage carousel, only to discover that his luggage was missing. He promptly reported the issue and filled out the airline’s Loss of Baggage Form but has yet to receive a resolution.

Rabiu argues that Virgin Atlantic’s defense is an attempt to evade liability despite its failure to secure his belongings.

The airline, however, maintains that in the event it is found liable, its responsibility would be governed by the Montreal Convention 1999, which has been incorporated into the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act 2023. Justice Alexander Owoeye has scheduled the hearing for March 7, 2025.