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Tag: Sam Adurogboye

  • Revenue automation: NCAA gives ultimatum to 30 foreign carriers

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)  on Thursday gave  December 31, 2018 as deadline   to foreign carriers which are yet to  Automate/Integrate on the Avitech platform for the remittance of five percent Ticket Sales Charge/Cargo Sales Charge[TSC/CSC] to do so or face severe sanctions.

    The ultimatum by NCAA came on the heels of regular meetings; reminder letters and follow up to the defaulting airlines, which have refused to comply with Federal Government’s directive on Aviation Revenue Automation Project ( ARAP) as well as abide by the provisions in the bilateral air services agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the affected countries.

    The Federal Government in 2011 introduced Aviation Revenue Automation Project (ARAP) for revenue collection to engender  data integrity, transparency, transaction accountability and control of revenue , which comes at no cost to airline operators.

    Spokesman of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye disclosed this in a statement.

    He said the NCAA has dispatched a letter to the 30 affected airlines.

    Besides, Lufthansa  German Airlines, Adurogboye said affected carriers are airlines from African countries  operating to  Nigeria under the existing Bilateral Air Service Agreement [BASA].

    The statement reads  “A letter to that effect dated 14th of September,2018  has been despatched to the affected airlines which are 30 in all on behalf of Capt Muhtar Usman , the Director General of the Authority this day 19th September, 2018.

    Read Also: NCAA reads riot act to travel agencies

    “Except for The Lufthansa  German Airlines involved, the rest are all African Countries carriers operating to  Nigeria under the existing Bilateral Air Service Agreement[BASA].

    “The ultimatum as contained in the letter signed by the Director of Air Transport Regulation[DATR], Grp. Capt Edem Oyo-Ita.

    ” It is important to note that, in line with Part 18.12.5 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs), 2015 that “All domestic and international airlines operating in Nigeria shall forward to the Authority through an electronic platform provided by the Authority, all relevant documents such as flown coupons, passenger or cargo manifest, air waybills, load sheets, clients’ service invoices and other documents necessary for accurate billing within forty-eight (48) hours after electronic  TSC/CSC to be collected from passengers by Airlines and paid to NCAA.

    “This collections which are shared among the Agencies are meant  for the maintenance of Safety critical, provisions of infrastructural facilities and for meeting their numerous obligations.”

    Meanwhile, Adurogboye said there have been appreciable and commendable  high level of compliance by the Domestic Airlines  which stands at 97 per cent  of the current domestic air transport operations.

    He ,however, appealed to Domestic Airlines that are yet to join  to take  steps be integrated on the platform by working with First Bank of Nigeria (FBN)/Avitech for immediate and automatic processing and implementation of the project or face sanction.

    He said : ” The Authority hereby affirmed its commitment to enforcement of compliance to safety regulations at all times so as to continue to guarantee safer skies in Nigeria.”

  • ‘Airports attract a lot of socioeconomic activities’

    Sam Adurogboye, General Manager, Public Affairs, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf speaks on the socioeconomic benefits of airports. Excerpts:

    Why do you think the airports designated as cargo airports yet to take off fully given the hype by government to diversify the economy away from oil?

    What I can say to that question is that the project is capital intensive, it requires a heavy capital outlay no doubt about that. But when you look at the essence of governance it is the welfare of people naturally. So if for economic reason just like you said every state wants to go into the venture that would lead to economic emancipation of the people they want to set up a project like that whereby it will create employment and other economic and social activities that are involved when you have an airport. Apart from the movement, there are so many things that could be done at the airport. You talk about the car hire and other business activities that could be established at the airport which will create jobs naturally for the teeming youths that are coming out of the universities. Another reason is that where the citizens may demand that they want an international airport within their state whether for pilgrimage or business without recourse to Lagos or Abuja. Of course, as an aspirant you probably promised the people you were going to do it and when you eventually win the election you want to keep your promise. So, you have political as well as economic considerations to the issue of building airports by most of the state governments. But because of the heavy financial requirements that is involved and considering the fact that so many other things are competing for resources as such the project tend to drag on in some states. But for us, we have no objection for any state that wants to set up airports. Ours is that they should meet the requirements for safety operations and we are here to guide them in the process.

    So far has any of the states made any significant progress in terms of project implementation?

    So many states are expressing interest and we have no objection. Ours like I said is to ensure that whatever airport you’re building must meet requirements and we are there to advise and guide them accordingly. Now to answer your question specifically, we have several states-run and run airports now operating. There is an airport in Gombe, even the one in Warri, in Delta state was built by the state government.  In Owerri, Jigawa, Kebbi, they all have airports completed and already being put into use and we approved.  Of course, a state like Ogun expressed interest in building a cargo airport and Lagos also talked about building an airport in Epe. Ekiti, Osun all have airport projects still in the works.

    Are you convinced that the reasons being canvassed by the state governments building airports are genuine enough?

    Of course they are genuine reasons, especially if they have the financial muscle to translate it to reality. Look at Singapore for example, they have only two airports. And it’ll shock you to know that the aviation sector provides employment for about 70 per cent of the country’s population alone. If you miss your flight, you can be there at the airport for one week or more and you won’t miss not going to town because everything is there. There’s a thriving hotel business, restaurant, recreational facilities, free WIFI, gym, everything is within the precinct of the airport. The airport generates a lot of activities that is not necessarily government-run. So airports can be put to use in such a way that it can run the economy of states. There is no doubt about that. It’s just to have the political will and sincerity of purpose.

     

  • Ebola Virus: NCAA calls on airline to be vigilant

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called for a high level vigilance by the airlines operating international and regional flights into the country on measures to curtail the possible spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

    Part of the measures is for pilots in command of any aircraft to report to air traffic controllers any suspected case of communicable disease on board their flight in line with civil aviation regulations.

    The NCAA directed that in the  case of any suspected case of communicable disease on board an aircraft, aircrew are to fill the General Declaration (Gen Dec) and Public Health Passenger Locator forms in line with Nigerian civil aviation regulations.

    The NCAA disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement by its spokesman, Sam Adurogboye.

    According to Adurogboye, the NCAA has directed airlines to carry out the measures,  to forestall the EVD infiltration.

    This was contained in a circular with ref no. NCAA/DG/AMS/Vol.1/196, dated 11th May, 2018, dispatched to all operating airlines.

    In the circular, all airlines were informed of the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 8th May, 2018.

    The statement reads: “However, the outbreak of EVD in DRC is yet to be declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a Public Health Event of International Concern (PHEIC).

    ” Notwithstanding, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Ministry of Health and all other relevant agencies  taken concerted steps to ensure the virus does not creep into Nigeria.

    Read Also: Ebola screening takes off at Lagos international airport, others

    “Therefore to forestall the EVD infiltration, the Regulatory Authority has therefore directed all airlines to carry out these measures in the interim.

    Pilots-in-Command of an aircraft are to report to Air Traffic Control (ATC) any suspected case of communicable disease on board their flight in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.22.4.

    “In case of any suspected case of communicable disease on board an aircraft, aircrew are to fill the General Declaration (Gen Dec) and Public Health Passenger Locator forms in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.17.4 and 18.8.22.5 respectively.

    “Completed General Declaration and Public Health Passenger Locator forms are to be submitted to the Port Health Services (PHS) of the destination Aerodrome.

    “Airlines are to ensure they have on-board valid and appropriate number of First aid kits, Universal Precaution kits and Emergency Medical kits in line with Nig. CARs 7.9.1.12.”

    It further reads: “Airlines are to refresh the knowledge of their crew members in the handling and communicating with ATC of any suspected case of communicable disease on board.

    “Airlines are to contact Port Health Services for clearance before importing human remains into the country.

    “Airlines are to report to the Authority in writing of any suspected case of communicable disease in flight.

    “The circular signed by the Director General has since been sent to all the airlines.

    “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will continue to collaborate with all relevant agencies to ensure that the Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan (PHECP) developed for the guidance of aviation stakeholders are adhered to. This will prevent the importation of any communicable disease into the country through our air borders (Airports).”

  • NCAA alerts airline operators on weather hazard

    NCAA alerts airline operators on weather hazard

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA ) has issued a weather alert to all airline operators indicating hazards associated with Harmattan dust haze in flight operations at this period of the year.

    A statement by the NCAA General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye, on Sunday said the alert was important as Harmattan was a threat to aircraft particularly in areas of challenging terrains due to low visibility.

    Adurogboye said according to the Seasonal Rainfall Prediction issued by the Nigerian Meteorological ( NiMet ) Agency, the prevailing weather condition is likely to herald a long and severe dust haze in the months ahead.

    He said:”The Advisory circular AC: NCAA- AEROMET-24 is intended to alert pilots of the hazards associated with dust haze which is a dry and dusty wind that blows southwards from the Sahara across Nigeria during the months of November to March.

    “The effect of the dust and sand stirred by the wind is known as Harmattan Dust Haze.

    “Therefore, pilots should note that air-to-ground visibility may be considerably reduced due to the dust haze.

    “In addition, aerodrome visibility might fall below the prescribed minima and in severe conditions dust haze can blot out runways, the markers and airfield lightings over wide areas.”

    According to him, this makes visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible.

    “Resultantly, where visibility falls below the prescribed weather minima, flight operations are expected to be delayed, diverted or outrightly cancelled.

    “Hence, all pilots are obliged to exercise maximum restraint especially when severe weather condition is observed or reported by NIMET,” he said.

    The NCAA spokesperson advised pilots to obtain adequate departure, en route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET prior to flight operations at all the airports.

    He also urged Flight Crews/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) to ensure adherence to aerodrome operating minima.

    “Operators are therefore advised to ensure necessary measures are put in place to manage the effects of flight delays or cancellations on their passengers.

    “All stakeholders are required to ensure strict compliance with this circular,” Adurogboye said.

    NAN

  • Appeal panel upholds NCAA’s N33.5m sanctions on FirstNation, Pilot

    Appeal panel upholds NCAA’s N33.5m sanctions on FirstNation, Pilot

    A five-man appeal panel has upheld and reaffirmed the N33.5 million sanctions imposed on FirstNation Airways and one of its pilots by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    The General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.

    Adurogboye said the panel had concluded its sitting and submitted its report to the regulatory authority.

    He said FirstNation Airways had earlier filed an appeal following a Letter of Sanction written to the airline on Jan. 23.

    “It will be recalled that violations were detected during a ramp inspection on the airline’s aircraft, Airbus A319 with registration mark 5N-FNE, on Nov. 8, 2016, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

    “After the exercise, it was discovered that the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) was not in possession of a current medical certificate.

    “In addition, the airline similarly rostered the pilot to carry out operational flights when obviously his medical certificate had expired.

    “Therefore, the airline and the pilot violated Parts 8.4.1.5 (a), 8.14.1.2 (1), 8.14.9.4 (a) (1) and 8.2.1.8(a) (24) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2015.

    “Consequently, in accordance with IS 1.3.3. (1)(14) of the Nig.CARs, 2015, the airline and pilot were fined N32 million  and N1.5 million being moderate civil penalty for the violation,’’ Adurogboye said.

    According to him, the airline, however, swiftly filed an appeal to the NCAA in disagreement with the reported violations and sanctions.

    He said the regulatory authority in its responsiveness and quest to be just and fair to all, constituted an appeal committee to hear the airline’s appeal.

    Adurogboye said the five-man appeal panel had three airline operators, a private legal luminary and NCAA officials as observers.

    He added that FirstNation Airways was represented by four lawyers, the pilot and three management staff.

    Adurogboye said: “After four days of sitting, submissions and deliberations, the panel upheld and reiterated the applicable sanctions meted out to the airline and its pilot.

    “It arrived at the following conclusions in agreement with the NCAA findings prelude to the application of sanctions.

    “The ATRL 1874 License of the Pilot in Command of FirstNation Airways had expired on the Nov. 2, 2016. The PIC was not in possession of the license during the ramp inspection on Nov. 8, 2016.

    “The PIC did not have a valid license and was not properly certified from Nov. 2 to Nov.8, 2016.The PIC operated 15 flights and the airline rostered the PIC 16 times.

    “The PIC operated with expired license from Nov. 2 to Nov. 8, 2016 and there was indications that the airline knew the PIC did not have a valid license.’’

    He said this was a very serious safety issue, therefore, the moderate sanctions applied by the NCAA were reasonable under the circumstances.

    Adurogboye said the PIC’s argument that he had a valid license when he operated the flights was incorrect, as he had no valid Medical Certificate.

    He said the PIC had 14 days according to NCARs to apply before the expiration of the license but however did not apply until Nov. 3, 2016, after expiration.

    Adurogboye said: “the invoice was issued by NCAA on Nov. 3, 2016.

    “The pilot did not do the Cardiac Risk Assessment (CRA) test mandatory for his 62 years age even after he was informed by NCAA the Authorised Aviation Medical Examiner (AAME).

    “He did the medical assessment eventually. The CRA report was dated Nov. 7, 2016 and was sent to the NCAA on Nov. 8, 2016.

    “Therefore, the accusation of delay and inefficiency by the authority is wrong and unfounded. The PIC and the airline did not follow laid down procedure.

    “NCAA received the medical report same day, reviewed it and issued the Medical Certificate same day on Nov. 8, 2016.’’

    He said the panel consequently dismissed dismissed all grounds of the appeal and upheld the NCAAs Letters of Sanctions.

    Adurogboye said the NCAA would continue to provide level playing field to all airline operators.

    “However, failure to adhere to safety regulations shall attract applicable sanctions,’’ he said.

  • Appeal panel upholds NCAA’s N33.5m sanctions on FirstNation, Pilot

    Appeal panel upholds NCAA’s N33.5m sanctions on FirstNation, Pilot

    A five-man appeal panel has upheld and reaffirmed the N33.5 million sanctions imposed on FirstNation Airways and one of its pilots by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    The General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.

    Adurogboye said the panel had concluded its sitting and submitted its report to the regulatory authority.

    He said FirstNation Airways had earlier filed an appeal following a Letter of Sanction written to the airline on Jan. 23.

    “It will be recalled that violations were detected during a ramp inspection on the airline’s aircraft, Airbus A319 with registration mark 5N-FNE, on Nov. 8, 2016, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

    “After the exercise, it was discovered that the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) was not in possession of a current medical certificate.

    “In addition, the airline similarly rostered the pilot to carry out operational flights when obviously his medical certificate had expired.

    “Therefore, the airline and the pilot violated Parts 8.4.1.5 (a), 8.14.1.2 (1), 8.14.9.4 (a) (1) and 8.2.1.8(a) (24) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2015.

    “Consequently, in accordance with IS 1.3.3. (1)(14) of the Nig.CARs, 2015, the airline and pilot were fined N32 million and N1.5 million being moderate civil penalty for the violation,’’ Adurogboye said.

    According to him, the airline, however, swiftly filed an appeal to the NCAA in disagreement with the reported violations and sanctions.

    He said the regulatory authority in its responsiveness and quest to be just and fair to all, constituted an appeal committee to hear the airline’s appeal.

    Adurogboye said the five-man appeal panel had three airline operators, a private legal luminary and NCAA officials as observers.

    He added that FirstNation Airways was represented by four lawyers, the pilot and three management staff.

    Adurogboye said: “After four days of sitting, submissions and deliberations, the panel upheld and reiterated the applicable sanctions meted out to the airline and its pilot.

    “It arrived at the following conclusions in agreement with the NCAA findings prelude to the application of sanctions.

    “The ATRL 1874 License of the Pilot in Command of FirstNation Airways had expired on the Nov. 2, 2016. The PIC was not in possession of the license during the ramp inspection on Nov. 8, 2016.

    “The PIC did not have a valid license and was not properly certified from Nov. 2 to Nov.8, 2016.The PIC operated 15 flights and the airline rostered the PIC 16 times.

    “The PIC operated with expired license from Nov. 2 to Nov. 8, 2016 and there was indications that the airline knew the PIC did not have a valid license.’’

    He said this was a very serious safety issue, therefore, the moderate sanctions applied by the NCAA were reasonable under the circumstances.

    Adurogboye said the PIC’s argument that he had a valid license when he operated the flights was incorrect, as he had no valid Medical Certificate.

    He said the PIC had 14 days according to NCARs to apply before the expiration of the license but however did not apply until Nov. 3, 2016, after expiration.

    Adurogboye said: “the invoice was issued by NCAA on Nov. 3, 2016.

    “The pilot did not do the Cardiac Risk Assessment (CRA) test mandatory for his 62 years age even after he was informed by NCAA the Authorised Aviation Medical Examiner (AAME).

    “He did the medical assessment eventually. The CRA report was dated Nov. 7, 2016 and was sent to the NCAA on Nov. 8, 2016.

    “Therefore, the accusation of delay and inefficiency by the authority is wrong and unfounded. The PIC and the airline did not follow laid down procedure.

    “NCAA received the medical report same day, reviewed it and issued the Medical Certificate same day on Nov. 8, 2016.’’

    He said the panel consequently dismissed all grounds of the appeal and upheld the NCAAs Letters of Sanctions.

    Adurogboye said the NCAA would continue to provide level playing field to all airline operators.

    “However, failure to adhere to safety regulations shall attract applicable sanctions,” he said.

  • NCAA to ensure full compliance with FG’s executive order at airports

    NCAA to ensure full compliance with FG’s executive order at airports

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said on Tuesday that it had put in place measures to ensure full and sustained compliance with the Federal Government’s Executive Order at airports in the country.

    The General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye, said the agency’s Director General, Capt. Muhtar Usman, had directed all Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI) to monitor the level of compliance with the order.

    Adurogboye said this was alongside their statutory oversight responsibilities at the airports, as enshrined in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2015 (Nig.CARs 2015).

    “All aviation parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (Nimet) and Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) have since commenced compliance to the order.

    “On its part, NCAA has prepared a standard document outlining its core functions and services, appropriate charges, fees, licences, waivers and other tax-related processes, in adherence to the order.

    “The schedule contains mode of communication of official decisions to the various applicants for our sundry services,’’ Adurogboye said in the statement issued in Lagos.

    According to him, this information, together with other vital information, for ease of doing business in the Nigerian aviation sector are contained in the official website of the NCAA.

    He said the federal government had handed down the order with the view to eliminate the unnecessary bureaucracy that impedes business activities at Nigeria’s airports.

    Adurogboye added that it would improve safety, security and facilitation of passengers within and around the airports.

    He said the NCAA director general was in constant discussions with the heads of aviation agencies to ensure sustained adherence to the order by the agencies and continuous surveillance by the regulatory authority.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, had on May 18 signed three far-reaching executive orders expected to ease business, fast-track budget submission and promote made in Nigeria products.

  • NCAA to meet EU aviation commitee on Medview ban

    NCAA to meet EU aviation commitee on Medview ban

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is expected to meet with the European Union Air Safety Committee (ASC) this week on the current ban slammed on Medview Airlines.

    The spokesman of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye disclosed this on Tuesday.

    The meeting, he said is part of several engagements with the European Commission following a failed application by Medview Airlines for a Third Country Operator Authorisation to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

    The airline’s application failed during documents’ verification stage.

    “Medview Airlines’ application did not comply with Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005 and therefore could not qualify for approval,” Adurogboye said.

    The spokesman said NCAA later received the notification of non-compliance through the office of the Nigerian Mission to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

    He added: “Upon receipt of notification, the Director General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, met with senior officials of European Commission in Gaborone, Botswana, during the Regional Safety Oversight Organization Conference in February this year.

    “During this meeting, extensive discussions were held with a view to resolving the matter.

    ” Similarly, the Regulatory Authority engaged Medview Airlines to straighten out issues arising from the failed application to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

    “However, the EU Air Safety Committee invited NCAA and Medview for a tripartite meeting in Brussels on the 25th – 26th April, 2017. After the deliberations, the European Commission with the full support of the EU Air Safety Committee unanimously decided to ban Medview Airlines.”

     

  • NCAA orders Ethiopian Airlines to stop collection of unauthorised charges

    NCAA orders Ethiopian Airlines to stop collection of unauthorised charges

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered Ethiopian Airlines to stop the collection of  unauthorised charges forthwith.

    The order was contained in a statement signed by Mr Sam Adurogboye, NCAA General Manager, Public Relations, on Sunday in Lagos.

    Adurogboye said these unauthorised charges referred to as” refundable deportation fee” is put at between 75 dollars  and 150 dollars.

    According to him, all South Africa bound passengers on Ethiopian Airlines are compelled to pay this amount before boarding.

    He noted that the authority had been inundated with several complaints from many passengers that have suffered this fate.

    “According to investigation by NCAA, all outbound passengers to South Africa from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos and Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, transiting through Addis Ababa, are liable to pay 75 dollars.

    “However, if your transiting time is 24 hours or beyond, the passenger will pay 150 dollars.

    “While passengers are not given prior notice concerning these charges before arriving at the airports, some were made to sign undertaken to be responsible for all expenses incurred if deported,” Adurogboye said.

    He said consequent upon this, the Ethiopian Airlines’ Country management were summoned by NCAA, where they claimed the fees were always refunded when a passenger was not deported.

    Adurogboye said the regulatory authority however found this unacceptable and viewed it as a violation of the its extant regulations.

    “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) Part 18.4.1(iii) stipulates that “all air carriers should obtain approval from the authority to introduce or increase add-on charges or surcharges prior to implementation.

    “Till date, the authority has not received any request for fare increase, tariff or add-ons from the airline.

    “On this strength, Ethiopian Airlines has been ordered to stop with immediate effect these illegal charges,” he said.

    Adurogboye noted that the Airline could take advantage of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CAR) and obtain necessary approvals from the Authority if it has genuine grounds to increase fares or obtain tariffs.

    The spokesman said :”the NCAA hereby warns all operating airlines to endeavour to adhere to the regulations in all facets of their operations.

    “It is part of our statutory responsibilities to protect the rights of passengers and this we shall continue to do in accordance to the law.”

  • Unruly passengers risk prosecution – NCAA warns

    Unruly passengers risk prosecution – NCAA warns

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Sunday, warned passengers it described as irate and belligerent, carrying out attacks on airline officials, to desist forthwith or face criminal charges.

    The NCAA issued the warning in a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye in Lagos.

    Adurogboye said the warning became necessary due to preponderance of reports from some of the nation’s airports detailing brutal attacks on officials of airlines.

    According to him, these attacks are embarrassing and discourteous to such affected officials.

    “The NCAA undoubtedly recognises that the operating airlines must at all times uphold the conditions of carriage and contract on each passenger’s ticket.

    “This means that all passengers are conferred with inalienable rights when they are travelling by air, according to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs 2015 Part 19).

    “It prescribes minimum rights for air travellers on the occurrence of any of the following– no show and overbooking of flight, denied boarding, delay and cancellation of flights.

    “These rights shall apply without prejudice to a passenger’s right under any applicable law or contract,’’ he said.
    Adurogboye, however,said passengers were not expected to take laws into their hands, if and when there were operational hiccups capable of truncating air services.

    He noted that all over the world, overbooking, denied boarding, delay and cancellations similarly occur in extraneous circumstances.

    “As contained in Part 19.7.2, airlines have the obligation to inform passengers on cancellation, an explanation shall be given concerning possible alternative transport.

    “Also in Part 19.7.3, an operating airline shall not be obliged to pay compensation for cancellation, if it can prove that the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances.’’

    He further cited the part by saying that such extraordinary circumstances must be such that could not have been avoided, even if all reasonable measures had been taken.

    “Part 19.7.4, says the burden of proof concerning any question as to whether and when the passenger has been informed of the cancellation of the flight shall rest with the operating airline.”

    The NCAA spokesperson said it therefore meant that passengers should be guided that cancellations and any aforementioned scenarios could occur beyond the control of the airline in certain situations.

    He said when passengers were aggrieved; Part 19.20 states that a passenger may lodge a complaint with the Consumer Protection Directorate, or any other competent person designated by the authority for an alleged infringement.

    “It is on record that the Consumer Protection Directorate (CPD) has handled and resolved several cases from aggrieved passengers to their satisfaction.

    “Therefore, the authority expects aggrieved passengers to recourse to the platform provided by NCAA to file their complaints and seek redress or compensation as the case may be.

    “Subsequently, any passenger found carrying out attacks on airline officials will face criminal prosecution.

    “The NCAA is statutorily empowered to provide an enabling environment for safe and secure air transportation.

    “It will, however, not allow any airline official’s life to be ridiculed publicly or endangered.”