NCAA Assures Seamless Flight Services During Yuletide
As the festive season approaches, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has assured air passengers of uninterrupted flight operations throughout the Yuletide and beyond.
This commitment was made during a Road Show and Enlightenment Campaign organised by the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Department at the Port Harcourt International Airport yesterday – Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
The campaign aimed to sensitise air travellers about the proper procedures for lodging complaints in the event of flight disruptions.
The Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at NCAA, Michael Achimugu, led the event, reiterating the agency’s dedication to ensuring a smooth travel experience during the busy holiday season.
Speaking at the event, Achimugu revealed that the recent signing of the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, coupled with efforts by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DDCA), has paved the way for 10 new aircraft to join the fleets of Nigerian airlines.
This development, he explained, would significantly enhance the capacity of air operations in the country, reducing the likelihood of disruptions.
“We are now in the high travel season in the aviation sector, and as you know, there have been many flight disruptions throughout the year, accompanied by numerous complaints,” Achimugu said.
“Our duty at the NCAA is to sensitise passengers because most complaints arise from a lack of knowledge about their rights and responsibilities as air travellers. We are creating mass awareness to address this gap, and this campaign will continue into the coming year,” he added.
Achimugu also highlighted the NCAA’s proactive measures to resolve consumer complaints.
“Nigeria is one of the few countries where airlines are mandated to provide a 100% refund without additional charges in the event of disruptions. This is a testament to our commitment to protecting both passengers and airlines as key stakeholders in the industry,” he stated.
Regarding the increase in fleet capacity, he disclosed that airlines such as Ibom Air, Air Peace, and United Nigeria Airlines are beneficiaries of the newly approved aircraft, a move that will ease pressure on the aviation sector and improve service delivery.
During the campaign, the NCAA organised a town hall meeting at La Kings Event Centre, Port Harcourt, under the theme: “Repositioning the Nigerian Aviation Industry for Operational Efficiency, Service Excellence and Economic Viability: A Renewed and Inclusive Regulatory Dialogue.”
The event featured notable speakers, including filmmaker and actress Hilda Dokubo, legal practitioner First Baba Isa, DAAR Communication’s Utibe Umoren, and representatives from the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Discussions centred on enhancing the operational efficiency of the aviation sector while fostering an inclusive approach to regulation.
The NCAA’s assurances come as welcome news to travellers preparing for the festive season, promising a seamless and enjoyable air travel experience.
