The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a strong warning to airlines, emphasising the need for them to provide passengers with accurate and up-to-date information regarding their travel documents.
This directive aims to prevent cases where Nigerian travellers are transported halfway to their destinations, only to be deported back to Nigeria due to visa or travel restrictions.
In a statement signed by NCAA’s director of consumer protection and public affairs, Michael Achimugu the authority made it clear that it will not tolerate such occurrences from international airlines operating in Nigeria. The NCAA has received numerous complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers and then failing to ensure their smooth entry into their final destinations.
The statement read: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has received several complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers, only to airlift them halfway to their destinations and deport them back to Nigeria. These actions, which involve the refusal of boarding or entry at intermediate or transit stops due to visa or travel restrictions, have caused significant distress to passengers and have tarnished the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria.”
The NCAA considers such practices completely unacceptable, stressing that it is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers of any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destination before the commencement of their travel. Passengers should not be put in situations where they face denied entry or are forcibly returned to Nigeria upon arrival at transit points.
According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 (Part 19.21.1.1), all airlines and their agents are mandated to ensure that passengers are made aware of any potential travel restrictions or admissibility issues before they depart. Airlines must take the necessary steps to screen passengers and provide them with clear, up-to-date information regarding travel document requirements before issuing tickets or allowing them to board.
Given this, the NCAA has stated that it will no longer tolerate such negligent practices. Effective immediately, any airline found violating these regulations will face regulatory actions, including fines, suspension of flight operations, or other disciplinary measures deemed appropriate.
The NCAA expects the full cooperation of all international airlines operating in Nigeria in ensuring professionalism, passenger well-being, and the integrity of the aviation sector. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigerian travellers and maintaining the highest standards in aviation practices.
