The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken enforcement actions against five airlines—two international and three domestic operators—for breaching aviation regulations under Part 19 of NCAA guidelines.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, outlined the sanctions, which were prompted by complaints ranging from delayed and canceled flights to issues like missing, manhandled, and short-landed baggage. Other violations include nonpayment of refunds within the required time frame and failure to comply with NCAA directives.
While the NCAA acknowledged that airlines are not always at fault for flight disruptions, regulations mandate specific actions to mitigate passenger inconvenience. Non-compliance, Achimugu stressed, leads to sanctions.
“This holiday season has seen a surge in passenger complaints due to frequent delays and cancellations,” he said, adding that some disruptions, such as those caused by harmattan-induced poor visibility, fall under force majeure and do not obligate airlines to compensate passengers.
However, the NCAA’s enforcement actions are targeting instances where airlines are deemed responsible. Achimugu emphasized the authority’s commitment to protecting consumer rights, including enforcing the 14-day refund period for online ticket purchases and immediate cash refunds for tickets bought with cash.
In a related development, the NCAA plans to summon airline CEOs this week for a meeting to address regulatory violations and flight disruptions.
The sanctions come as a warning to operators to adhere strictly to aviation guidelines and improve passenger experience, particularly during peak travel periods. The NCAA reaffirmed its readiness to take further actions against any airline found in violation of regulations.
