Nosa Aituamen
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced stringent sanctions against international airlines operating in Nigeria found to be selling tickets to passengers who are subsequently denied entry or deported from intermediate or transit stops.
The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu in a statement says, this decision comes in response to a surge of complaints regarding airlines failing to adequately inform passengers about potential visa and travel restrictions before departure, leading to significant distress and damage to the nation’s aviation reputation.
According to NCAA, it deemed such practices unacceptable, emphasizing the airlines’ responsibility to ensure passengers are fully aware of any admissibility issues at their final destination before ticketing and boarding.
The regulatory body cited the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 19.21.1.1, which mandates that airlines and their agents must provide passengers with accurate and up-to-date information regarding travel document and visa requirements.
The NCAA argues that airlines are failing to conduct proper screening and provide necessary information, resulting in passengers being turned away upon arrival at transit points.
To address this issue, the NCAA has issued an immediate directive stating that any airline found engaging in these practices will face regulatory action, including fines, suspension of flight operations, or other appropriate measures.
While expecting the cooperation of the airlines, the authority says, it aims to enforce compliance and protect the well-being of Nigerian passengers while maintaining the integrity of the aviation industry.