Air Passengers Lose Bags, Other Valuables as Theft on Nigerian Domestic Flights Increases

• Stakeholders in the aviation industry have expressed concern about the rising cases of theft on domestic flights
• Several airlines have also reported cases of theft of valuable items during flights, sometimes causing disruptions
• Airlines warn passengers to stay alert and watch for any suspicious activity near their bags in the overhead compartments

Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology, Banking and the Economy.

Experts in the aviation industry, including airline operators, have expressed concern about the rising cases of theft on domestic flights.

They say more passengers have been attempting to steal from others in recent years.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, also confirmed that a passenger recently reported to the NCAA that he was robbed of $100,000 while on a domestic flight.

In-flight theft increases

Several airlines have also reported cases of theft during flights, sometimes causing disruptions.

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In July last year, a passenger was caught allegedly stealing N1 million on an Air Peace flight from Abuja to Port Harcourt.

In a recent incident, a traveller on a Lagos-Owerri flight quickly grabbed someone else’s bag.

However, because the distance between the tarmac and the arrival hall was long, the rightful owner was able to catch up and recover the bag.

Some time ago, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Abuja was arrested for allegedly stealing another passenger’s laptop from a bag in the overhead compartment.

Responding to the situation, travel expert and Akwaaba African Travel Market organizer, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, suggested that only cabin crew should open the overhead lockers.

This way, they can monitor passengers’ actions when retrieving their bags.

Spokesman and Director of Consumer Protection, NCAA, Achimugu, told THISDAY in a telephone interview saying:

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“There is a case on my desk, where a passenger claimed that he lost almost $100, 000, taken from his bag while in a flight; but I want to make this clear, the airlines are responsible for your checked-in luggage but you are responsible for young hand luggage, except in some special circumstances."

Recall that Legit.ng had reported that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had threatened to execute tough sanctions for airline passengers causing trouble at airports.

Airlines take action as theft cases soar

Many airline passengers have lost valuable items to thieves who steal during flights. Some passengers only realize their belongings are missing after getting home.

To prevent in-flight theft, domestic airlines have put different measures in place. Many warn passengers to stay alert and watch for any suspicious activity near their bags in the overhead compartments.

Some airlines have even instructed that only the crew should open the overhead lockers after the plane has stopped, allowing them to closely monitor passengers as they collect their belongings.

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However, industry experts believe more should be done to stop these thefts, as they damage the country's reputation and its aviation sector.

NCAA to reward victims $1,000 for delayed bags

In related news, Legit.ng reported that airlines that delay passengers' luggage will face strict penalties from the NCAA.

The agency said it would fine local airlines $10,000 and international airlines $170 for delayed baggage.

The regulatory agency also promised to punish any airline that violates the rules.

Source: Legit.ng