NCAA protects passengers against foreign airlines over transit refusals
Sade Williams/Business a.m.
Passengers flying out of Nigeria on flights offered by international carriers are being offered some comfort by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) which is promising to suspend or fine carriers that sell tickets to passengers only to airlift them halfway to their destinations and deport them back to Nigeria.
Confusion over transit visa requirements have often seen passengers distressed in connecting destinations after airlines had sold tickets for flights without informing passengers that they would require visa to enter airports before they can board their connecting flights.
Now the NCAA is moving to halt the unfriendly customer service provided in such circumstances by such airlines to the distress of Nigerian passengers.
Michael Achimugu, director, consumer protection and public affairs of the NCAA, in a statement, said it received several complaints about the refusal of boarding/entry at intermediate transit stops to some Nigerians due to visa/travel restrictions, adding that such is causing significant distress to passengers and tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria
The NCAA frowned at the practices, adding that it is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destinations before they commence their travel.
“Passengers should not be put in a position where they are denied entry or return to Nigeria only on arrival at intermediate /transit stops.
“In line with the provisions of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 19.21.1.1, all airlines and their agents shall ensure that passengers are informed of any potential admissibility issues or travel restriction in advance of their departure. Airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them.
“In light of this, the NCAA informs all international airlines operating in Nigeria that the Authority will no longer tolerate these occurrences. Effective immediately, any airline found to be engaged in such practices would be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations or other measures deemed appropriate,” Achimugu said.
The NCAA said it expects the cooperation of all airlines in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the aviation industry, as well as ensuring the well-being of Nigerian passengers.