The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned all domestic airlines to a crucial meeting aimed at addressing growing operational challenges that have left many passengers frustrated and stranded across the country.
The meeting, which is scheduled to hold on Wednesday at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, follows a surge in complaints about frequent late-night flight cancellations and inadequate support for affected travellers.
This development comes just 24 hours after the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, announced that the NCAA has been directed by the Federal Government to begin naming and shaming airlines that consistently delay or cancel flights without due regard for passengers’ rights.
Achimugu emphasized that such actions by airlines not only violate consumer protection regulations but also put NCAA officers at risk.
“When an airline cancels a flight after keeping passengers at the terminal until midnight, it is obligated to provide hotel accommodation,” he stated. “The regulations clearly stipulate that passengers stranded between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. must be offered accommodation.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Achimugu outlined other critical issues the NCAA intends to address at the meeting to ensure better service delivery and restore passenger confidence in the aviation sector.”
According to him, “The NCAA has invited all domestic airlines to a meeting in Abuja slated for tomorrow, Wednesday.
“Among the issues to be treated are: Unruly passenger behaviour and passenger handling protocols, Unresolved refund/compensation issues, Introduction of RFID bagtags and flight monitoring technology, Enforcement of phone switch-off instruction and protection for cabin crew, and improved travel experience for passengers.
