The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has taken enforcement action against five airlines, two international and three domestic operators, for violations of NCAA regulations. The violations include issues like nonpayment of refunds, missing luggage, manhandled luggage, short-landed baggage, and flight delays. The airlines were found to be non-compliant with directives from the NCAA, leading to sanctions being imposed.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, emphasized that while some flight disruptions are beyond the airlines’ control, they are still required to follow specific procedures outlined in the regulations. Failure to comply can result in penalties.
The recent holiday season has seen an increase in passenger complaints due to flight delays and cancellations. Mr. Achimugu explained that cancellations during the harmattan season, caused by poor visibility, are considered force majeure, absolving the airlines of responsibility.
The NCAA has warned of further sanctions for airlines that do not issue refunds within the specified time frame for online ticket purchases or fail to provide immediate cash refunds. Additionally, the authority plans to hold a meeting with all airline CEOs to address flight disruptions and regulatory issues.
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