NCAA to Expose Airlines Over Flight Delays, Cancellations

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that it will publicly name and shame airlines that fail to comply with aviation regulations, particularly regarding flight cancellations and delays.

NCAA Public Relations Officer, Michael Achimugu, said on Monday that passengers stranded between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am due to cancelled or delayed flights are entitled to hotel accommodation at the airline’s expense.

The announcement reflects a more assertive regulatory approach aimed at improving accountability and passenger welfare in Nigeria’s aviation sector, following a series of incidents at airports linked to airline lapses.

While some airport disturbances are caused by passengers’ lack of knowledge of aviation rules, Achimugu said a significant number result from airlines deliberately circumventing regulations. He condemned the increasing trend of airline staff disappearing from terminals during disruptions, leaving NCAA Consumer Protection Officers to manage frustrated passengers.

“The situation where airline staff intentionally disappear, leaving NCAA officers to handle irate passengers, will no longer be tolerated,” he warned.

Although the NCAA acknowledged the operational challenges facing airlines in Nigeria, it stressed that such difficulties do not justify non-compliance. “Whoever ventures into this business must do it well. Compliance is not optional,” the statement added.

The authority also cautioned against exposing its officials to potentially dangerous situations, noting that NCAA officers are present to support both passengers and the airline industry.

To enforce compliance, the NCAA pledged strict adherence to regulations and said it would apply sanctions where necessary. The directive follows instructions from the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

“In line with federal directives, naming and shaming defaulting airlines will commence immediately. Operators are expected to comply with regulations during flight disruptions,” Achimugu concluded.