Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sanctioned five airlines for violation of regulations.
While the Authority did not state particularly which airlines are sanctioned, resources from NCAA close to NaomisophyBlog Online revealed the names of the sanctioned airlines as Ethiopian Airways, Royal Maroc Airways, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, and Air Peace.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu told the media that the Authority has initiated enforcement action against five airlines (two international and three domestic operators) for various violations of Part 19 of the NCAA regulations including nonpayment of refunds within the stipulated time frame, non-responsiveness to the NCAA’s directives, missing luggage, manhandled luggage, short-landed baggage, delayed and cancelled flights, amongst others.
Achimugu noted that although airlines are not always responsible for flight disruptions, “NCAA regulations stipulate actions that airlines must take during disruptions. Failure to comply attracts various levels of sanctions”.
NCAA had recently warned that it will initiate sanctions if airlines fail to pay refunds within the stipulated time frame of fifteen days for online ticket purchases and immediate cash refunds for tickets purchased by cash.
He said the incessant disruptions this yuletide has caused a surge in passengers’ complaints about delays and cancellations.
“We all know that this is harmattan season, so there is poor visibility. Flights must get cancelled. This is force majeure, and the airlines do not owe passengers anything in those instances. The enforcement we are initiating today is on cases where the airline is deemed to have been at fault. More will come,” the director explained.
Achimugu hinted that the NCAA will summon the CEOs of all airlines this week to a meeting over flight disruptions and regulatory breaches.
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