The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken firm action against airlines due to widespread flight delays during the holiday season.
NCAA Director-General Chris Najomo convened an urgent meeting with airline CEOs to address ongoing disruptions that have left passengers frustrated and angry. The meeting comes in response to consistent flight cancellations and delays, which have marred the festive travel period for many Nigerians.
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Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the meeting via his X handle on Thursday. He revealed that Najomo had cut short a critical assignment to engage directly with the airlines. The NCAA’s intervention comes after several incidents of passenger unrest, including violent threats at airports due to delays.
Achimugu shared his own experience with frustrated passengers, explaining how tempers flared when travelers waited for hours without clear updates. Passengers were agitated, and Achimugu was forced to step in to calm the situation. He personally engaged with them for about 20 minutes, providing information and ensuring the airline took responsibility.
During the incident, Achimugu insisted that the airline offer transportation back to central locations. The NCAA also arranged accommodation for elderly passengers who were too weak to continue their wait. He further negotiated a 50% compensation offer for affected travelers and assured them of a full refund if desired.
Achimugu also highlighted the NCAA’s commitment to tackling passenger complaints, urging travelers to use the NCAA’s QR code for direct communication. This follows the NCAA’s earlier decision to take action against five airlines for poor service. It marks the first time in over a decade that the Consumer Protection Department has initiated such measures.
As part of these efforts, Achimugu has requested daily weather reports from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) to avoid any future confusion over weather-related flight delays. He further emphasized the importance of transparency in handling customer concerns, vowing to hold airlines accountable for their actions.
This crackdown signals a more proactive approach by the NCAA, seeking to ensure that airlines prioritize passenger welfare during peak travel periods.
