The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated enforcement actions against five airlines—two international and three domestic operators—for breaching Part 19 of NCAA regulations.
The violations include failure to issue refunds within the required time frame, non-compliance with NCAA directives, incidents of missing and mishandled luggage, short-landed baggage, and issues related to delayed or canceled flights.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s spokesman, disclosed this during a briefing at the Authority’s corporate headquarters in Abuja. He emphasized that while airlines are not always responsible for flight disruptions, NCAA regulations mandate specific actions they must take in such situations. Non-compliance attracts varying levels of sanctions.
The NCAA recently reminded airlines of the stipulated refund timelines: 14 days for online ticket purchases and immediate cash refunds for tickets bought with cash. The reminder followed a surge in passengers’ complaints over delays and cancellations during the yuletide season.
Achimugu acknowledged the seasonal harmattan weather, which impacts flight visibility and necessitates cancellations. He clarified that such cancellations, classified as force majeure, do not obligate airlines to compensate passengers.
“The enforcement we are initiating today addresses cases where airlines are found at fault. This is just the beginning; more actions will follow,” he stated.
The NCAA also plans to summon the chief executives of all airlines this week for a meeting to address flight disruptions and regulatory breaches.
Although Achimugu did not name the airlines being sanctioned, sources within the Authority revealed they include Ethiopian Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, and Air Peace.
