Five Airlines Penalized For Consumer Violations

Five Airlines Penalized For Consumer Violations

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified that the recent sanctions imposed on five airlines were related to consumer protection violations, rather than safety issues. This statement comes in response to media reports suggesting that the airlines faced penalties for reasons beyond just flight disruptions…READ MORE…

In a statement from NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, he emphasized, “The DGCA has publicly disclosed the names of the airlines and the specific reasons for the enforcement actions during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos. My department focuses solely on consumer protection, not technical matters. It’s puzzling that anyone would think I could sanction an airline for safety concerns.”

He added, “We do not sensationalize serious issues. Our department safeguards the interests of both operators and passengers and will remain an impartial arbiter

Two weeks ago, Achimugu warned that any airline delaying passenger refunds beyond the timeline set in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 would face sanctions. A week later, enforcement actions were announced against Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airways, Air Peace, Arik Air, and Aero Contractors.

Additionally, Acting Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to address ongoing flight delays and cancellations. He urged operators to align their flight operations with their available aircraft and to handle consumer complaints promptly.

In response to the enforcement actions, Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema acknowledged that some finance staff had indeed delayed payments. He expressed his dissatisfaction with this, as it contradicts his commitment to passenger convenience. He accepted the NCAA’s enforcement actions and pledged to enhance the airline’s response time to such issues.

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