NCAA warns airlines: No more flight delays or disruptions

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to domestic airline operators regarding frequent flight delays, disruptions, and schedule changes without prior notice to passengers.

In a statement released on Sunday evening in Abuja, Acting Director General Chris Najomo said that errant airlines would face appropriate sanctions. He highlighted increased surveillance to enforce compliance and address violators.

Najomo urged airlines to enhance services as per the Aviation Minister’s agenda, emphasising the need for improved customer experience and better handling of passengers.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of aligning flight schedules with the number of operational aircraft and scheduling flights into sunset airports early to avoid cancellations due to closure at sunset.

The NCAA is committed to ensuring airlines fulfil their passenger obligations under threat of 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 Regulation 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.

The DCP&PA said that the authority will not relent in its commitment to ensuring a pleasurable travel experience and comfort for air transport passengers.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, underscored the significance of the meeting, re-echoing Keyamo’s commitment to enhancing aviation industry standards.

He warned of sanctions for any flight disruptions or infractions. Despite some airlines’ concerns about poor airport facilities, single standby generators, bird strikes, and congested boarding gates, the Director of Airport Operations (FAAN) addressed these issues.

He acknowledged bird strike incidents during grass cutting and assured efforts to minimise them.
FAAN is also addressing airport facility issues to improve the passenger experience and baggage flow.