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  • NCAA to sanction airports without valid operating permit

    NCAA to sanction airports without valid operating permit

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has declared that effective  January 1, 2026,  any domestic airport, including airstrips without  valid operational permit will face sanctions.

    The new move by the NCAA is part of  its resolve to tweak the regulations of airports and airstrips which has become compelling in view of increasing surveillance on the operations of airports in Nigeria.

    Director of Airworthiness and Airspace  Standards (DAAS) Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Engineer Godwin Balang  disclosed this yesterday during a stakeholders engagement with airstrip owners and operators in Lagos.

     He  said the aim of the engagement is to enhance communication between NCAA and state aand private airstrip operators/owners;  clarify regulatory requirements applicable to airstrip construction, operations and safety standards;  identify and address challenges faced by state and private airstrip operators;  explore collaborative opportunities for airstrip development and integration into Nigeria’s aviation system and to  promote the adoption of global best practices in airstrip operations and management.

    He said:”  Section 71 (3) & (4)(a) of the CAA 2022 empowers the Authority to certify and grant permits to conduct Aerodrome operations in Nigeria and to establish minimum safety standards for the design, operation, and maintenance of Aerodrome, adding that it will increase surveillance on the operations of airstrips in Nigeria.

    He noted that out of 96 airstrips in Nigeria, only a few are up to date with their valid operational permits.

    “At the inception of this Administration the  Minister unveiled his agenda for the industry to which the DGCA had to sign performance bond.

     In the bid to implement, one of the key deliverables for the Directorate of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards is holding an airstrip owners/ operators’ engagement with a view to developing the sector for our common good.This engagement is an alignment with this mandate to advance airstrip regulation in Nigeria. It may interest this forum to note that as part of the moves to fulfilling this mandate two of our international Airports were recertified late last year and we are working to certify others soon.

    “Beyond this, FAAN has been apprised that effective from 1st January 2026 local airports without appropriate permits under its management would be sanctioned accordingly. This is not a threat but a collective resolve Today, our focus is on airstrips.

    “There are about 92 Airstrips (Operational, Non-operational and some under rehabilitation/new constructions) in Nigeria based on the existing NCAA Airstrip database. Interestingly, a few are already up to date with their valid operational permits.”, he said.

    Read Also: NCAA warns foreign airlines over denied boarding, deportation of Nigerians

    He noted that the aviation landscape has changed drastically in the recent years  the regulatory strategies must necessarily align with the realities of the season for a more impactful result.

    “We would therefore need to tweak our regulations and other guiding documents accordingly. This is the crux of this engagement. It is worthy of mention that among these 92 airstrips, 68 are Federal Government airstrips being managed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development while 24 belong to individuals and private organisations.

    “Undoubtedly Regulatory duties have long gone past the threshold of ‘stick wielding’, it is strategic collaboration for effective results without compromising standards.

    “It is my fervent hope that these objectives will be fully realized and airstrip operations in Nigeria will, henceforth, be conducted in strict compliance with all regulatory provisions and global best practices.”

    Speaking at the event, Director General Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Chris Najomo said evolving trends has brought to the fore the need for deeper engagement of NCAA with the Ministry to streamline the operator and regulator status for effective management.

    He said  there is a need to fashion out strategies to address emerging threats while maximizing the use of the airstrips to contribute significantly to socio-economic. development of Nigeria as a nation.

    Najomo said :” It is on record that aviation at its early stage focused, rather, on the machines and men with little or no consideration for

    the operating environment.

    ‘However, both the global and regional bodies are now awake to the realities that a poorly

    regulated aircraft operating environment spells doom for

    the industry.”

    He further said:” While ICAO Annex 14 Volume I specifies standards for

    certification of aerodromes, these standards may be considered over-reaching for airstrips.

    ‘In line with our ease of-doing-business principle therefore, NCAA is working tirelessly to promulgate regulations customized for airstrips

    which would be a catalyst for the promotion and development of general aviation while, of course,

    maintaining safety standards.

    ‘Presently, there are about 92 Airstrips in Nigeria based on

    the existing NCAA Airstrip database. These consist of the

    Operational, Non-operational while some are under rehabilitation and others are entirely new constructions. Unfortunately, only a few are up to date with valid operational permits.”

  • NCAA threatens foreign carriers over passengers’ deportation

    NCAA threatens foreign carriers over passengers’ deportation

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed concern over the actions of foreign airlines which sell tickets to passengers only to airlift them halfway their destinations only to deport them to Nigeria.

    The regulatory body’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu who disclosed this yesterday said the authority has received several complaints about the issue which has caused pain to many  travellers.

    The authority, Achimugu said, has, however, warned that any airline found engaging in such practices will be subject to regulatory action.

    He listed the actions to include fines, suspension of flight operations or other measures deemed appropriate.

    Achimugu stated that these actions which involve the refusal of boarding/entry of intermediate/ transit stops  to some Nigerians due to visa/travel restrictions has  caused significant distress to passengers thereby  tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

    Read Also: NCAA warns foreign airlines over denied boarding, deportation of Nigerians

    The Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs said the  NCAA finds such policies completely unacceptable, further describing it as the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destinations before they commence their travel.

    He further stated that passengers must not be put in a position where they are denied entry or returned to Nigeria only on arrival at international/transit stops.

    He reiterated that this is in line with provision of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 19.21.1.1 that states that all airlines and their agents shall ensure that passengers are informed of any potential admissibility issues or travel restrictions in advance of their departure.

    He said: “Airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up to date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them.”

    Consequently, the NCAA has informed international airlines operating in Nigeria that it would no longer tolerate these occurrences.

    “Effective immediately, any airline found to be engaging in such practices will be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations or other measures deemed appropriate,” he said.

  • NCAA warns foreign airlines over denied boarding, deportation of Nigerians

    NCAA warns foreign airlines over denied boarding, deportation of Nigerians

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has read the riot act to all international airlines operating in Nigeria that it will no longer tolerate denied boarding and deportation of Nigerians.

    NCAA’s warning came following complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers, airlifting them halfway to their destinations, and deporting them back to Nigeria.

    The Authority said the refusal of boarding and entry at intermediate and transit stops to some Nigerians due to visa or travel restrictions causes distress to passengers and tarnishes the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

    The NCAA, in a statement by its Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, stated that effective immediately, any airline found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations, or other measures deemed appropriate.

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has received several complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers, only to airlift them halfway to their destinations and deport them back to Nigeria.

    “These actions, which involve the refusal of boarding/entry at intermediate/transit stops to some Nigerians due to visa/travel restrictions are causing significant distress to passengers and tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

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    “The NCAA finds such practices completely unacceptable. It is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destination before they commence their travel.

    “Passengers should not be put in a position where they are denied entry or returned to Nigeria only on arrival at intermediate/transit stops.

    “In line with the provisions of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 19.21.1.1, all airlines and their agents shall ensure that passengers are informed of any potential admissibility issues or travel restrictions in advance of their departure”.

    The statement continues: “Airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them.

    “In light of this, the NCAA informs all international airlines operating in Nigeria that the Authority will no longer tolerate these occurrences.

    “Effective immediately, any airline found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations, or other measures deemed appropriate”.

    The Authority said it expects the cooperation of all airlines in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the aviation industry, as well as ensuring the well-being of Nigerian passengers.

  • NCAA clears Max Air to resume domestic flight operations

    NCAA clears Max Air to resume domestic flight operations

    The Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo has approved the resumption of domestic flight operations of Max Air following the successful completion of an economic and safety audit.

    Max Air voluntarily suspended its domestic operations for 90 days after a series of incidents on its flights.

    The decision took effect from midnight on January 31, 2025.

    The NCAA, in a statement on Monday night by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on behalf of the DG of the NCAA, stated that during the suspension period, the Authority conducted a thorough safety and economic audit of the airline.

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    According to the statement, the safety audit involved a comprehensive re-inspection of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.

    The NCAA stated that the audit took place from 26th to 28th February 2025.

    “Given the results of the audit, which confirm Max Air’s capacity to sustain safe flight operations, the airline will resume domestic flights, effective from midnight on March 17, 2025.
    “The NCAA will continue to monitor Max Air closely through an enhanced surveillance programme to ensure strict compliance with its regulations,” it said.

    The Authority stated that it remains committed to ensuring that all airlines adhere to the highest safety standards for the continued well-being of the aviation industry.

  • Court orders NCAA to reinstate wrongfully dismissed worker

    Court orders NCAA to reinstate wrongfully dismissed worker

    Justice S. H. Danjidda of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to reinstate Mrs. Nneka Anastasia Anukwa, who was wrongfully dismissed.

    Anukwa claimed that her employment was unlawfully terminated.

    In her suit against the NCAA, which was filed on November 18, 2015, the claimant sought a declaration that her employment enjoyed statutory protection.

    She prayed for a declaration that her summary dismissal was wrongful and ought to be set aside, as well as an order setting it aside and re-instating her.

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    The court held that the claimant was entitled to her withheld salary and that the termination of her employment was null and void as it did not follow due process.

    Other reliefs sought by the claimant also include: “An order mandating the defendant to pay the claimant forthwith all the arrears of salary or remuneration and all other entitlement that she would ordinarily be entitled to if she was not summarily dismissed.

    “An order mandating the defendant to pay the claimant forthwith the sum of N666, 520 being the claimant’s remuneration for January and February 2015, unlawfully withheld by the defendant.

    “The cost of the action in the sum of N2 million.”

    All the reliefs sought by the claimant were granted except for the cost of action.

  • ‘Why board is critical to NCAA’s function’

    ‘Why board is critical to NCAA’s function’

    Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo said the presence of a board of directors in the agency plays a critical role in its corporate governance in providing strategic direction, overseeing management and making key decisions, while being guided by the Civil Aviation Act.

    Najomo said that boards may be appointed at any time for aviation parastatals, including NCAA, as seen with the recent inauguration of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    Speaking at a Corporate Governance and Board Management Seminar organised by NCAA’s Directorate of Legal Services (DLS) in Lagos, Captain Najomo underscored the necessity for a clear corporate governance framework to enhance regulatory oversight and improve Nigeria’s civil aviation industry.

    Captain Najomo said a board is important to run the agency or the authority properly adding that “I even said that I am going to self-audit myself so that I make sure we are doing the right thing.”

    Addressing senior-level officers, consultants, and other aviation stakeholders, the DGCA noted that the responsibilities of the NCAA Board extend beyond mere supervision and include ensuring compliance with statutory regulations.

    According to him, the seminar comes at a crucial time, especially with the recent inauguration of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    He affirmed that the NCAA Board, once constituted, would need to operate efficiently within the framework provided by the Civil Aviation Act.

    While providing an overview of the NCAA Board’s composition, he explained that the Head of the Directorate of Legal Services of the regulatory body will statutorily serves as the Board Secretary.

    The NCAA helmsman stressed that the legal foundation of the NCAA traces back to Decree No. 49 of 1999, which was enacted before the advent of democracy, and has since evolved into the Civil Aviation Act 2022.

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     “The Civil Aviation Act 2022 serves as the primary legislation governing civil aviation in Nigeria, aligning with ICAO’s State Safety Oversight requirements. It defines the functions, powers, and responsibilities of the Authority, including the establishment of its governing Board,” he stated.

    According to Captain Najomo, Section 5(2) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022 provides for four statutory members of the NCAA Board: The Chairman, a representative from the Ministry responsible for Aviation, a representative from the Ministry responsible for Defence, and the Director-General of the NCAA.

    All other members serve in an ex officio capacity. He called on the seminar’s consultants to dissect the Act’s provisions and ensure a seamless synergy between the Board and NCAA Management.

    “I expect today’s discussions to highlight areas of mutual cooperation while mitigating potential conflicts through realistic solutions,” he urged.

    Reflecting on NCAA’s recent silver jubilee celebration, Captain Najomo emphasised that the milestone provides an opportunity to reposition the Authority for a safer, more secure, economically viable, and customer-centric aviation sector.

    He asserted that incoming Board members would be met with high expectations from both the industry and society.

    He further charged the Directorate of Legal Services, which serves as the Authority’s Company and Corporate Secretariat, to develop a robust corporate governance framework that will support Board members in discharging their statutory duties effectively.

    Expressing confidence in the seminar’s outcome, Captain Najomo commended the calibre of resource persons and the carefully curated discussion topics.

    He urged participants to engage in meaningful deliberations that would strengthen the NCAA’s governance structure.

    The NCAA Director of Legal and Company Secretary, Mary Tufano-Eche said the forum provided the agency and their stakeholders the opportunity to reevaluate the latest trend in corporate governance and responsibilities.

    She said “The regulatory bodies in the sector must be ready to enforce regulations. We are refreshing ourselves to remind ourselves of our responsibilities knowing very well that corporate governance is about rules, laws, procedures and policies.”

  • NCAA tasks training organisations on standards

    NCAA tasks training organisations on standards

    Aviation Training Organisations (ATOs) in the country have been called upon to  scale the quality capacity development programmes to run for technical personnel in the air  transport sector in order to boost safety and meet up with international benchmarks.

    The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo, stated this Monday in Lagos at the opening ceremony of a three day workshop on managing compliance among Approved Training Organizations with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs).

    According to Najomo, ATOs are the foundation upon which  well-trained professionals who ensure the safety and efficiency of our aviation operations are built.

    Najomo, represented by General Manager Licensing NCAA Mr Hyelni Bassi, stated that the Industry, aviation professionals, and ultimately, the traveling public depend  on the rigorous training and compliance measures established together.

    He said: “Today, we face significant challenges in maintaining high standards of quality and compliance within our training organizations. Rapid advancements in technology, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the increasing complexity of aviation operations necessitate a proactive and collaborative approach”.

    Najomo urged participants to work diligently to ensure that Approved Training Organizations not only meet but exceed the expectations set forth by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

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    In his remarks, the head of Aviation Training Organisation Inspectorate NCAA, Adoyi  Sunnie said the workshop was put together by the CAA to analyse the importance and the role of the appropriate organizations in the development of our system  in Nigeria.

    He said ATOs have obligations not only to issue licenses, or grant approvals, but to ensure that safety oversight activities are performed to the standard required.

    He noted that Nigeria was facing a great challenge from the international participants as they do not come into ATO to undergo training.

    Sunnie noted that the purpose of sharing data was not to simply make them understand critically what they need to do to meet international best practices.

    Sunnie said the gathering will enable ATOs to fill available gaps in the system.

  • Tinubu steps down NCAA, NAMA merger

    Tinubu steps down NCAA, NAMA merger

    • Keyamo explains aviation sector’s exemption from foreign travel ban

    Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepped down the merger of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), as recommended in the Steve Oronsaye Report.

    He also gave reasons the aviation industry was exempted from last year’s foreign travel ban the Federal Government placed on its officials.

    The President had announced the ban, which took effect from April last year.

    Keyamo said the aviation sector was exempted from the ban because President Tinubu wanted to see clear change and growth in the sector.

    The government placed the travel ban, following a rise in the travel expenses incurred by officials of its Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).

    In a memorandum, dated March 12, 2024 by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the government said: “Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr. President’s directive to place a temporary ban on all public-funded international trips for all Federal Government officials at all levels, for an initial period of three months from April 1, 2024.

    “All government officials who intend to go on any public-funded international trips must seek and obtain presidential approval at least two weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed absolutely necessary.”

    Keyamo gave the reasons for the government’s exemption at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    Commenting on the shelved merger of NCAA and NAMA, he said: “From modest beginnings, we have witnessed remarkable transformations in our sector, ranging from enhanced supervisory measures and policies formulation, safety and security oversight, robust legislative and regulatory frameworks, advancements in air traffic management, development, expansion and certification of airports, accurate meteorological services, timely accident investigations, manpower development, and indeed, the growth of indigenous airlines.

    Read Also: NCAA to sanction Kenya Airways over consumer protection infractions

    “These achievements have not come without challenges. However, with the efforts of past administrations and the total support of the present administration under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Agenda and the five focus areas of the ministry, we have overcome the challenges and reached new heights.

    “The NCAA is a child of God and, despite turbulent waters and attempts sometimes to kill the NCAA, the NCAA has survived 25 years. And I’m sure you know that any child that attains the age of 25, of course, is undoubtedly an age of maturity.

    “The Oronsanye Report also recommended the merger of NCAA and NAMA. And so that was also another attempt to kill the NCAA. That report was passed from Goodluck Jonathan’s government to Muhammadu Buhari’s government and then to the present government.

    “It was one of the first items we considered in this government. So, the Oronsanye rReport came up that day and the President …considered every item in the Oronsanye Report and asked the Federal Executive Council to vote. And for each item, they would listen to the ministers. So, the President came to the merger of NCAA and NAMA as one body.

    “I raised my hand; I spoke for about five minutes. Because we have a wonderful President who listens to good counsel and good arguments, after I finished speaking, he said, item dropped, merger of NCAA and NAMA would not remain.”

    The minister gave reasons for the exemption, saying: “It is a fact that the aviation sector remains a pillar of national development, facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.

    “Whilst it is yet to realise its true potential in terms of contribution to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we must renew our commitment to ensuring a more progressive, sustainable, inclusive, innovative and prosperous aviation industry.

    “This necessitates the continuous adoption and integration of emerging technologies, enhancing infrastructure and investing in human capital development to keep our skies safer and secure and attain cohesive and efficient air transportation services.

    “The President directed that foreign travels should stop, except in exceptional circumstances. Last year, there was a memo around March that said it was for three months. The President, because of his desire to ensure that we are frugal in our spending, there was another memo again in December …to say we should cut down on foreign travels, except by direct presidential approval.

    “But let us also give particular thanks to Mr. President because despite that memo, since last year, he has made an exception for the aviation industry. I wrote a memo to him after that directive on behalf of the entire agency that says: Sir, we respect your directive; yes, we need to be frugal because the Nigerian people have also tightened their belts in the face of the economic reforms that are taking place. “However, because of the safety of this sector, sir, we need to make some exceptions for this sector. And the President graciously granted this for the aviation sector.”

  • NCAA to sanction Kenya Airways over consumer protection infractions

    NCAA to sanction Kenya Airways over consumer protection infractions

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), weekend, said it is initiating maximum enforcement action against Kenya Airways for a large number of consumer protection infractions.

    The regulatory body said it had put its legal department on notice to ensure due process is followed in addressing issues bordering on cases of refunds not paid, lost baggage not compensated despite admitting to losing them, and failure to honour commitments.

    NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu disclosed this while giving an update on the development concerning the maltreatment of Nigerian passengers by the East African carrier.

    Achimugu said following the maltreatment of a Nigerian passenger: Gloria Omisore the regulatory authority has begun steps to call the carrier to order.

    He said Kenya Airways had been serially violating regulations issued by the NCAA.

    He said, ”The NCAA gave the airline an opportunity to fix what was wrong. The airline has failed to do so.

    “Earlier yesterday, the airline asked for an extension of one hour, after which they still failed to comply with the determination of the CAA.

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    “On Thursday, in a separate issue, the airline failed to send in a compliance report about a scheduled flight that was delayed for seven hours with no compensation for the passengers.

    “When confronted over a phone call, the Kenya Airways team claimed ignorance of the NCAA Regulations. We are sending them a copy of it. But, how can you operate in a foreign country with no recourse to the relevant regulations? How is this different from those who claimed that Omisore should have known the travel documents she needed for her trip?

    “To this end, we are organising a retreat for ALL airlines operating in Nigeria to learn and relearn Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. One would expect that knowledge of all necessary regulations is essential.

    “Added to the other long-ignored cases read out to the KQ team that attended the meeting, the CAA is dismayed by the actions of this airline.”

    Part of the steps include directing the Country Manager of Kenya Airways in Nigeria to apologize for the incident involving Gloria Omisore.

    Achimugu said :” The airline  has admitted that it  should never have boarded the passenger from Lagos. The airline failed to discover the lack of a France transit visa and flew this passenger to Nairobi where she had a 17-hour layover, only to be told that she would have to endure a further 10-hour wait if she must be flown to the UK.

    “The passenger then asks to be provided care for that 10-hour period as she is bleeding and needs to bathe. The actions of the airline staff following her request were down to poor passenger handling. Gloria Omisore was not an unruly passenger on the first leg of the flight, nor was she rude on the Lagos-Nairobi flight.

    “We put the facts of the matter to the airline and it rejected the misleading official statement that they put  out to the public.

    “The determination was for the airline to update its initial statement to reflect the facts of the case. There has been no compliance. Rather, the original statement that obfuscated facts, in all of its royal ‘misleading-ness’, has been allowed to grow wings and fly.

    “Take the blog post by one Charles Onyango-Obbo for instance. The writer still asserts that Gloria Omisore blatantly refused the offer to fly to London. This lie is being told despite the admission of Kenya Airways Country Manager in Nigeria, James Nganga, that the passenger only became frustrated when the 10-hour wait attached to that offer did not come with accommodation.

    “This was a bleeding woman who had already experienced the inconvenience of a 17-hour layover. She needed to clean up, and possibly have a bath. If the airline was not going to provide the care, its staff could have handled the matter professionally. In the viral video, the airline’s staff could be heard hurling insults and raising her voice in response to the infuriated passenger.”

    Achimugu said James Nganga admitted in one of the videos below, that the staff’s behaviour was against airline policy.

    He went on:” The writer also claimed that the meeting between my team and the airline was held in Lagos. Simple research would have told him that the NCAA HQ is in Abuja. This is what happens when people are more interested in narrative creation rather than facts. They know their audience.

    “Truth shouldn’t be hard to tell.”

    ” Cases of refunds not paid, lost baggage not compensated for despite admitting to losing them, and failure to honour commitments.

    “The NCAA is, therefore, initiating stiff enforcement action against Kenya Airways. This action will go through due process. I have put our legal department on notice.”

  • NCAA takes enforcement action against Kenya Airways over passenger rights violations

    NCAA takes enforcement action against Kenya Airways over passenger rights violations

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced strict enforcement measures against Kenya Airways for multiple consumer protection violations, including the airline’s failure to apologise, refund, and compensate Nigerian traveler Gloria Omisore within the mandated 48-hour period.

    According to NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, despite requesting a one-hour extension beyond the 48-hour deadline, Kenya Airways did not comply with the regulatory body’s directive.

    The incident was further exacerbated by the airline’s failure to submit a compliance report regarding a seven-hour flight delay, which left passengers without compensation. When confronted, the airline reportedly claimed ignorance of NCAA Regulations.

    Achimugu expressed concerns about Kenya Airways’ operations, stating, “How can a company operate in a foreign country without recourse to the relevant regulations? To this end, we are organising a retreat for all airlines operating in Nigeria to learn and relearn Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.”

    He detailed the mishandling of Omisore’s journey, revealing that Kenya Airways flew her from Lagos to Nairobi without verifying her transit visa requirements for France. As a result, she faced a 17-hour layover, followed by an additional 10-hour wait in Nairobi.

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    “Passenger then asks to be provided care for that 10-hour period as she is bleeding and needs to bathe. The actions of the airline staff following her request were down to poor passenger handling. Gloria Omisore was not an unruly passenger on the first leg of the flight, nor was she rude on the Lagos-Nairobi flight,” Achimugu emphasized.

    The NCAA noted that the airline issued a misleading statement about the incident, which the regulatory body rejected.

    “The determination was for the airline to update its initial statement to reflect the facts of the case. There has been no compliance,” Achimugu stated.

    The NCAA has now initiated stiff enforcement action against Kenya Airways, putting its legal department on notice. “This action will go through due process,” Achimugu concluded.