Airlines have made it a practice to charge for things like baggage, meals and pillows, but passengers aboard an Air France flight that had to land in the Syrian capital of Damascus were asked if they could chip in a little cash for fuel. The plane was originally bound for Lebanon, but violence near the airport there made it necessary for the plane to divert to Syria. At first, the crew tried to pay for gas with a corporate credit card, but it was rejected due to financial sanctions against Syria. The crew then asked the passengers for a little help. Fortunately, an agreement was reached before customers had to break out their wallets and the flight was able to continue on its way. [Source]


http://www.naijapundit.com/news/air-france-asks-passengers-to-pay-for-fuel

At least Air Nigerian has seen an excuse to give.