The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed dissatisfaction with airlines operating in Nigeria over increasing reports of frequent delays, flight disruptions and sudden schedule changes without adequate notice to passengers.
The acting director-general of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo voiced his concerns over the weekend, emphasising the urgent need for airlines to enhance their services, especially in light of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN)’s resolution to enforce his five-point agenda, as mandated by President Bola Tinubu.
The acting DG highlighted the current unacceptable records of flight disruptions, poor customer experiences and inadequate passenger handling, insisting that these aspects must witness significant improvements. He urged airlines to align their flight schedules with the number of serviceable aircraft and reminded them of airports with sunset operations.
He stressed the importance of adjusting flight schedules early in the day to minimise cancellations due to airport closure at sunset. Najomo made it clear that the NCAA would ensure that airlines fulfil their obligations to passengers or face sanctions.
Addressing the treatment of persons with reduced mobility, Najomo emphasised that airlines must handle such individuals with dignity and without discrimination. He reiterated the obligation of airlines to provide facilities for the movement of persons with reduced mobility, emphasising the mandatory inclusion of a field for special needs assistance on ticket portals.
Najomo declared a departure from business as usual, asserting that errant airlines would face appropriate sanctions without favouritism. He underscored the intensified surveillance by the NCAA to monitor compliance and identify violators.
The director of consumer protection and public affairs for the NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu emphasised the commitment to ensuring a pleasurable travel experience for air transport passengers. He highlighted the Minister of Aviation’s focus on sanitising the aviation industry and warned that sanctions would be applied for any infractions or poorly managed flight disruptions.
During the meeting, concerns raised by some airlines, such as poor airport facilities, single standby generators, frequent bird strikes, bush burning, and congested boarding gates, were addressed by the director of airport operations (FAAN). He assured that FAAN is actively working to minimise bird strike incidents and is addressing issues related to airport facilities for smoother passenger and baggage flow.
The assistant general manager for flight operations and adjudication, Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik presented a paper on the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 19. She highlighted airline obligations to passengers in the event of flight delays, cancellations, schedule changes, baggage delays and losses. With 53 per cent of total flights operated in Nigeria in 2023 experiencing delays and 1 per cent being canceled, the session aimed to inform airlines about the regulations and applicable sanctions.
