The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revealed that airlines causing delays, flight cancellations, or inconveniences to passengers will be required to offer a 25% rebate on the affected travelers’ next flights starting from January 2024. Capt. Chris Najomo, the Acting Director-General of NCAA, made this announcement during a meeting with aviation stakeholders in Lagos on Tuesday.
Najomo emphasized the importance of implementing measures to protect consumers and enhance efficiency within the aviation industry. He mentioned that the directive had been communicated to airlines and was aimed at addressing concerns raised by passengers regarding flight delays and cancellations. The rebate initiative is part of broader efforts by the regulatory body to improve the overall air travel experience for passengers.
During the meeting, Najomo acknowledged that certain delays and cancellations were caused by factors beyond the airlines’ control. However, he pointed out that inadequate planning and operational challenges contributed to some of the issues experienced by passengers. The NCAA is working internally to address these challenges and promote a more enjoyable air travel experience.
Additionally, Najomo revealed that the NCAA plans to introduce policies related to the handover of state-owned airports to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). According to the proposed policy, state governments would manage their airports for at least five years before handing them over to FAAN. This approach is intended to ensure better planning and viability for airports, as only a few of the 32 airports in the country are considered economically viable.
Najomo expressed concerns about the financial burden placed on regulatory authorities due to the operation of non-viable airports. He emphasized the need for airports to be catalysts for economic development and suggested that future airport projects should be carefully planned to generate economic returns. The NCAA aims to address these issues through the implementation of strategic policies and consumer protection measures in the aviation sector.