Rita Odafe
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has declared a zero-tolerance policy towards airlines violating regulations in the country.
It has warned that airlines providing dishonest departure times will face sanctions.
The Acting Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, conveyed this message in a statement released on Tuesday, July 9, signed by the Director of Public Affairs/Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu.
NCAA has cautioned airlines to stop such infractions or be subjected to severe regulatory penalties.
“The NCAA has adopted a zero-tolerance stance towards regulatory violations. The focus on enhancing business operations is central to the Director-General’s strategic plan for the organization. As part of this strategy, licensing processes for operators have been streamlined for simplicity. The time taken to obtain an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) has been reduced significantly. Consequently, the NCAA expects airlines to reciprocate by providing world-class services to passengers.”
Najomo emphasized the importance of meeting passenger needs with exceptional services if operators were benefiting from a business-friendly environment established by the NCAA.
“It has been brought to our attention that some airlines are under scrutiny for promoting deceptive departure schedules. NCAA regulations clearly state that airlines must not mislead passengers with departure times displayed at their counters, in advertisements, or on their websites. We want to emphasize that the Director-General of the NCAA has initiated monitoring efforts and any violators will face significant regulatory consequences,” Najomo stated.
Regarding challenges with refund procedures, Najomo mentioned that airlines must process refunds promptly, ensuring completion within 14 working days irrespective of how the tickets were purchased.
Explaining the suspension of the licenses of ten operators in Port Harcourt, Najomo noted that despite being advised since April 2024 to start the recertification process, they failed to comply, leaving the authority with no choice but to impose sanctions.
