Nigerians may soon see tougher consequences for domestic airlines plagued by chronic delays, as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority signals a shift from patience to penalties.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, says the regulator has for years stood firmly behind airline operators, defending them, explaining their challenges to passengers, and absorbing public criticism in the process.
According to him, this support was necessary because many flight disruptions are often caused by factors beyond the airlines’ control.
But recent developments, he warns, have exposed recurring inefficiencies that can no longer be excused.
Mr. Achimugu notes that the aviation industry has enjoyed unprecedented government backing, from President Bola Tinubu to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, and the Director General, Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo.
With policy reforms taking shape and consumer protection frameworks gaining strength, he says the expectation is simple that, passengers should begin to feel the difference through improved flight operations and better service delivery.
While acknowledging the harsh operating environment airlines still contend with, the NCAA insists some lapses are indefensible.
Chief among them is poor communication during delays and cancellations, and failure to meet regulatory obligations such as hotel accommodation, refreshments, and basic care for stranded passengers.
These shortcomings, the NCAA Director explains, have fueled frustration at airport terminals and, in some cases, escalated into passenger unrest.
Drawing a global comparison, he points to the recent action by U.S. authorities, who fined JetBlue Airlines two million dollars for persistent flight delays, an unprecedented move aimed at restoring discipline and accountability in the system.
The Authority says it is reviewing its enforcement framework to ensure stronger compliance, insisting that while operators will continue to receive support, passenger rights will no longer be compromised.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen