Delta Air Lines reportedly refused to allow a US-based Nigerian bishop to board a plane back to Atlanta, United States, after he misplaced his green card.
According to a report by Vanguard, the passenger stated that the US embassy in Nigeria verified the legitimacy of his documents and confirmed his possession of a green card, yet the airline still did not allow him to board.
Stranded in Nigeria
According to the report, an American-based Church of God in Christ, COGIC, Bishop Kenneth Obi, was supposed to travel back to Atlanta on March 19, 2025. However, due to a misplaced green card, the 62-year-old man couldn’t leave for the United States. Simple Flying has asked Delta Air Lines for comment.
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The bishop, who has been living in the US for 40 years, arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, on February 18, 2025, aboard a Delta Air Lines flight between Atlanta (ATL) and Lagos (LOS). His main purpose for the visit was for his church anniversary. However, just before his return flight, Obi realized that he had lost his green card. Talking about the situation, Obi told Vanguard:
“I hold a Delta Air return ticket for March 19. On March 12, I discovered that I could not find my Green Card, my physical Green Card, of which I have the copy on my phone.”
The bishop was instructed to report the loss of his green card to the police in Imo State. The police required him to obtain an affidavit from the court, which he secured on March 12, before returning to complete the police report. With the necessary documents, including a copy of his green card, he traveled to Lagos to board his flight. However, the flight on March 19, 2025, was canceled.
He then explained his situation to the Delta Air Lines manager, who directed him to the US embassy. At the embassy, security personnel, after verifying that his green card was valid and unexpired, questioned why he was there and stated that Delta should allow him to board. Explaining the incident, the bishop said:
“When I came back to board the flight on the 20, I met with Mr. Salami, Mr Napoleon and Mrs Akpan, who were the Delta representatives. These three individuals refused me to board the flight until I get a travel document from the embassy. This is so frustrating. I went back to the embassy to explain to them the situation under which I am. The embassy said if the airline cannot board me, then I need to begin the process of getting travel documents.”
In response to the incident, a Delta Air Lines spokesperson stated that airlines are only authorized to accept original travel documents, including passports and residence permits.
Required travel documents
You must have the correct documentation when traveling, especially if going overseas. Rules and regulations can change at any time, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic, so you must be on top of the situation. This is why it is more important than ever to do your homework and have everything in order before your trip.
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Currently, visitors traveling to or via the United States must have a valid passport as well as one of the following: a valid visa or authorization to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) via the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or another valid permit that allows entry to the US.
Delta Air Lines Refuses To Let Nigerian Bishop Onboard After Green Card Was Misplaced
