NCAA to crack down on illegal commercial operations by private jet owners

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to holders of Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF), commonly known as private jet owners, cautioning them against engaging in commercial flight operations.

In a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the authority emphasised that such actions will not be tolerated and offenders will face severe penalties.

The NCAA said under the provisions of Section 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, PNCF holders are strictly prohibited from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward, which constitutes commercial operations or charter services.

The Authority reiterated the consequences for violating these regulations. “In line with our commitment to upholding aviation standards, the NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations,” it stated. 

Penalties may include suspension, withdrawal, or revocation of their Permit for Non-Commercial flight.

The public has been warned against engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes, as it is illegal and poses potential risks to safety and security. 

To ensure compliance, the NCAA said it has deployed its officials to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of airports to monitor the activities of PNCF holders closely.

“NCAA maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards violations of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023. We are committed to enforcing strict compliance through the application of appropriate sanctions,” it noted.

The directive comes amidst growing concerns over the misuse of private aircraft for commercial gain, which not only violates regulations but also undermines the integrity of the aviation industry. 

NCAA’s proactive measures aim to safeguard the interests of passengers, promote adherence to established standards, and maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s civil aviation sector.