NCAA sanctions 5 Airlines over flights cancellation, incessant passenger complaints
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated enforcement actions against five airlines (two international and three domestic operators) for violations of ”Part 19 of the NCAA regulations,” including nonpayment of refunds within the stipulated time frame.
The sanctions also include missing luggage, manhandled luggage, short-landed baggage, delayed and cancelled flights, etc.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection (NCAA), Mr. Michael Achimugu disclosed this whilst speaking to journalists at the corporate headquarters of the Authority in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said that although airlines are not always responsible for flight disruptions, NCAA regulations stipulate actions that airlines must take during disruptions. Failure to comply attracts various levels of sanctions.
Earlier, on December 10, the NCAA announced its intent to sanction airlines for delayed ticket refunds. Under the NCAA Regulations 2023, airlines are required to strictly adhere to refund timelines to protect passenger rights. Refunds for cash purchases must be made immediately and in cash, while electronic payments, including mobile apps and internet banking, must be refunded within 14 days.
Mr. Achimugu acknowledged that sometimes it’s beyond control, “We all know that this is harmattan season, so there is poor visibility. Flights must get cancelled. This is force majeure, and the airlines do not owe passengers anything in those instances.
The enforcement we are initiating today is on cases where the airline is deemed to have been at fault. More will come,” he explained.
According to him, the incessant disruptions this yuletide have caused a surge in passengers’ complaints about delays and cancellations.
The director also assured that the Authority will be summoning the CEOs of all airlines this week to a meeting over flight disruptions and regulatory breaches.
Hopefully after the meeting, there will be positive changes in the Aviation industry.
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