EgyptAir is facing a negligence lawsuit in the High Court of Justice in Accra after four plaintiffs alleged that the airline failed to transport their priority-tagged luggage on a flight from Cairo to Accra and provided substandard business-class service.
The case arises from events on 18 July 2025, when the plaintiffs travelled on EgyptAir Flight MS 881 from Cairo, Egypt, to Accra, Ghana. According to court filings, the passengers – two legal practitioners and two businesspersons – claim their checked luggage, which had been tagged “PRIORITY,” was visibly left on the tarmac before the aircraft departed.
The plaintiffs allege they alerted the cabin crew before take-off, but their concerns were dismissed. The aircraft subsequently departed Cairo without the luggage.
They further claim that after the flight took off, cabin crew confirmed that the luggage had been deliberately offloaded due to weight restrictions, despite what the plaintiffs say is standard aviation practice that priority-tagged baggage – especially for business-class passengers – should receive loading precedence.
Upon arrival in Accra, the plaintiffs say they filed complaints with EgyptAir’s station manager and the Lost and Found section at Kotoka International Airport. Some of the luggage reportedly arrived several days later, while other bags were delivered up to a week after the passengers’ arrival.
In their statement of claim, the plaintiffs argue that EgyptAir’s actions constituted gross negligence and breach of contract, causing distress, inconvenience, disruption to professional commitments, and loss of use of essential items contained in the luggage.
The plaintiffs are also seeking refunds of their business-class tickets, alleging that the aircraft deployed on the Cairo–Accra route fell far below international business-class standards. According to the claim, the in-flight entertainment system and power outlets were non-functional, and the cabin configuration resembled premium economy rather than business class.
Court dismisses EgyptAir application
The case saw a significant development this past week when the High Court dismissed EgyptAir’s application to strike out the plaintiffs’ Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim.
EgyptAir had argued that the suit was procedurally defective and relied on provisions of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004 (C.I. 47) in its application.
Counsel for the plaintiffs opposed the motion and also raised a preliminary objection concerning the validity of the airline’s supporting affidavit.
While the court held that the affidavit was subject to a presumption of regularity, it proceeded to hear the substantive application.
After considering arguments from both sides, the court found the plaintiffs’ opposition persuasive and dismissed EgyptAir’s application in its entirety.
The court also awarded GHS 5,000 in costs against EgyptAir and directed the airline to file its Statement of Defence within 14 days.
Case moves to substantive phase
The ruling clears the way for the case to proceed to the substantive stage, where the court will examine the merits of the negligence and breach-of-contract claims.
If successful, the plaintiffs could recover damages for the delayed luggage and alleged failure to deliver the standard of service promised under their business-class tickets.
The plaintiffs’ lawyers say they will obtain the court’s written ruling and prepare for the next phase of proceedings once EgyptAir files its defence.
The case is expected to draw attention to airline obligations under international aviation conventions and the standards applicable to premium air travel services.
