In a bid to enhance consumer protection and streamline the aviation industry, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced stringent measures for airlines causing flight delays or cancellations. According to the acting Director-General, Chris Najomo, effective January 2024, airlines responsible for disruptions will be obligated to provide affected passengers with a 25 per cent rebate on their subsequent flights with the carrier.
This revelation came to light during a meeting between Najomo and a group of aviation stakeholders at the NCAA office in Lagos. Najomo emphasized that these decisions were part of a broader effort to benefit both consumers and the aviation business, focusing on issues such as airport certification and the handover of aerodromes from state governments to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
Addressing passenger concerns about airline practices, Najomo assured the stakeholders that the new regulations would bring efficiency to the aviation sector. However, he acknowledged that certain factors leading to flight delays or cancellations were beyond the airlines’ control.
“The airlines are biting more than they can chew. Lack of planning is causing some of the delays we are experiencing,” Najomo explained. He cited examples of airlines attempting to operate numerous routes with a limited fleet, leading to operational challenges.
Najomo also unveiled a strategy to ensure that state governments retain control over state-owned airports for a minimum of five years before the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) assumes management. This move aims to maintain operational control and quality standards at the state level.
Highlighting the current state of affairs, Najomo revealed that only six out of the 32 airports in the nation were operational. These include Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja, Port-Harcourt International Airport, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, and Owerri Airport.
The Director-General reassured the public that the NCAA was actively working internally to address operational challenges and enhance the overall flying experience. As the aviation industry in Nigeria undergoes these regulatory changes, passengers can expect increased accountability from airlines and improved standards in air travel.
