Ken Okeke
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, has said that going forward, it will sanction domestic airline operators over the persistent flight delays, disruptions and cancellations that have affected the aviation industry.
The acting Director-General, NCAA, Chris Najomo emphasised that erring airlines would face appropriate sanctions without exemption.
He also underscored the need for airlines to prioritise passenger welfare and comply with regulations, stating that the NCAA would intensify its oversight to ensure adherence.
The NCAA DG frowned at what he termed “the alarming reports” of flight delays, disruptions, and schedule changes without adequate notice to passengers.
He underscored the necessity for immediate improvements, emphasising that the aviation sector plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.
He pointed out that airlines should be fully aware of airports with sunset operations, urging them to tailor their schedules accordingly.
Najomo stressed that the NCAA would ensure that airlines fulfill their obligations to passengers or face sanctions.
“Airlines must handle persons with reduced mobility properly, with dignity and without discrimination as airlines are mandated to provide facilities for the movement of Persons with reduced mobility and by virtue of the provisions of Nigeria Civil aviation regulations part 19, airlines are required to provide on their ticket portal a mandatory field for special needs assistance and require their agents to actively ask customers during ticket purchase if they will require assistance” he reiterated.
He explained that “it was no longer business as usual as errant airlines will be sanctioned appropriately without fear or favor” noting that NCAA has stepped up its surveillance to monitor compliance with a view to fish out violators.
The DG emphasised that the authority would not relent in its commitment to ensuring pleasurable travel experience and comfort for air transport passengers.
Flight disruption is a significant issue in the aviation sector, affecting both domestic and international travel. The causes of flight delays and cancellations in Nigeria are multifaceted and include poor infrastructure, harsh weather conditions, fuel scarcity, and labor union issues.
According to the NCAA in its first quarter of 2023 flight report, out of 3,073 international flights in the country, 1,193 were delayed. During this period, 55 per cent (10,128 flights) of the 18,288 domestic flights were delayed, 1.55 per cent (284) were canceled.