Govt Orders Probe into EgyptAir 'Racism'

Government officials have ordered a probe into the alleged abuse of a Nigerian passenger just days after CairoScene revealed the extent of the alleged abuse. A statement released by Minister of Aviation, Hossam Kamal, claimed that government watchdogs will penalise the airline immediately if found guilty of wrongdoing. It said: “The Ministry of Aviation does not allow any violations of the rights of EgyptAir clients, especially clients from our African brother nations. The ministry is keen on expanding its airlines network to consolidate [Egypt’s] political, commercial and social relations with the peoples of the continent,”

The move comes after Nigeria called on Egyptian Ambassador Ashraf Salama to demand an apology from the Egyptian government. Joshua Abdulazeez, 17, was travelling to Ukraine when he was reportedly sold a wrong ticket by EgyptAir, and became stranded for three days in Istanbul.

When Abdulazeez complained to EgyptAir officials, it is claimed that they racially abused him and tore his passport.