FG Orders NCAA to Sanction Airlines Over Flight Disruptions

The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to impose sanctions on any airline found guilty of disrupting flights without valid reasons.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, disclosed this in a statement released on X on Monday. He warned that instances where airline staff abandon passengers and leave NCAA officers to manage frustrated customers will no longer be tolerated.

“While one understands the challenges that operators face in our peculiar operating environment, whoever ventures into this business must do it well. We must not always choose the easy way out. Don’t you want to be called ‘world class’? Don’t you want to compete at the highest level? If not for the sake of passengers who trust you to fly them safely, then at least for your own pride,” Achimugu stated.

He stressed that exposing NCAA officials to risks while they protect passengers’ rights and support airline operations is unacceptable. According to him, the authority will apply the strictest measures for infractions and will not neglect the provisions of aviation regulations.

Achimugu further revealed that, on the directive of the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA will begin naming and shaming airlines responsible for unjustifiable flight disruptions.

“While not all disruptions are the fault of airlines, operators must comply with the regulations whenever there is a disruption,” he added.

The new directive takes effect immediately.