Air Peace, Arik Air, Others Risk NCAA Sanctions Over Rising Flight Delays, Disruptions

• The acting director-general of the NCAA expressed displeasure with the incessant cases of flight delays and disruptions in the country
• He said airlines that are found wanting of the act in the industry will now be sanctioned without fear or favour
• According to him, the authority has increased its monitoring of compliance to identify and apprehend violators

Chris Najomo, the acting director-general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has read the riot act to domestic airline operators.

This followed rising cases of flight delays and disruptions in the country. Legit.ng earlier spotlighted Nigerian airlines with most fly delays in 2023.

Poor customer experience on the rise

Michael Achimugu, NCAA spokesperson, said in a statement that the current record of flight disruptions, poor customer experience, and poor handling of passengers were of significant concern to the DG, who described it as unacceptable.

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In a Leadership report, the NCAA boss said it is no longer business as usual as errant airlines will now be sanctioned appropriately without fear or favour as the matter is getting out of hand.

He said the authority has stepped up surveillance to monitor compliance to fish out violators.

He said:

“Airlines must consider scheduling flights into sunset airports early in the day to minimise cancellations as a result of airport closure at sunset.”

According to the DG, airlines are required to provide facilities for the transportation of people with reduced mobility.

He added that they must treat people fairly, decently, and without discrimination.

He added:

“By virtue of the provisions of Nigeria Civil aviation regulations part 19, airlines are required to provide on their ticket portal a mandatory field for special needs assistance and require their agents to actively ask customers during ticket purchase if they will require assistance.”

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Najomo restated the necessity for airlines to enhance their offerings, given that Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, was resolute in implementing his five-point plan as directed by President Bola Tinubu.

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said any aircraft operated by local airlines without a valid insurance policy would be grounded.

According to the directive, failure to comply with Part 18.14.1.1 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2022 would result in immediate sanctions.

The statement directed that the precise aircraft and any airlines or service providers that fail to comply will face enforcement action.

NCAA withdraws Xejet Air's operating certificate

Legit.ng also reported that the NCAA withdrew the Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) of Xejet Air due to the airline's presentation of an alleged false insurance policy.

According to a source close to the agency, the apex regulatory took fast action after learning that the charter flight operator was using a false insurance policy to conduct business.

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The source revealed that the regulatory authority was furious over the revelation and vowed to maintain the sub-sector's sanity going forward.

Source: Legit.ng