NCAA warns airlines over flight delays, cancellations

 Piqued by incessant cancellations, the aviation regulatory body, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed concern over taking passengers for granted with the spate of un-operated flights the country.

Several reports from the Consumer Protection Officers (CPOs) and aggrieved passengers have inundated NCAA’s offices from across the nation’s airports.

Notwithstanding, the regulatory authority said it is very much aware of the prevailing challenges as regards aviation fuel, saying it is expected that the airlines should follow strictly the requirements Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs)in carrying out their operations.

Spokesman for NCAA, Sam Adurogboye in a statement stated that the circumstances should not open a window for outright impunity and a flurry of cancellations which has consequently rendered air travel in the country a nightmarish experience.

His words, “All airline operators are therefore warned to adhere to the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) while dealing with passengers. Many of whom have parted with their hard earned cash in return for comfort and value while commuting to their destinations. Therefore sufficient notice must be accorded all intending passengers prior to any operational cancellation.”

Adurogboye stated that where there is a delay in the service, passengers must be duly informed and light refreshment provided.

The NCAA advised carriers to ensure tickets are not sold to air travellers when there are perceived or real hitches concerning sourcing of aviation fuel (Jet A1).

He noted that while NCAA is not unmindful of the efforts being made by the airlines to avoid operational hiccups, passengers are similarly enjoined to exercise restraint and cooperate with airline officials during eventualities.

He explained that the Federal Government of Nigeria was already taking measures that would ameliorate scarcity of Jet A1, stressing that these steps would guarantee availability and allow operators provide adequate services.

The agency enjoined all airlines to guard against frequent flight cancellations that will jeopardise the conditions of carriage agreed with passengers.

He disclosed that the authority has intensified monitoring at all the nation’s airports, saying that subsequently, any unjustifiable or avoidable flight cancellation will be viewed with utmost seriousness and where culpability is established very stiff sanctions will be applied.

It would be recalled that the NCAA had last month released summary reports of complaints received against international and domestic airlines for the month of January, February and March 2016.

For the month of January, a total of 1, 282 flights were operated by 35 airlines. The airlines are Aero, African World, Air Cote d’Ivoire, Air France, Alitalia, Altas Air, Arik, ASKY, British Airways, Camair-Co, Cronos Air, Dana, Delta Air, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Air, Etihad, Gambia Bird, Iberia, Kenya Airways.

Arik had the highest number of flight operated. The airline operated 1, 779 flight in the month of February 2016; 866 flights delayed; 28 cancelled flights. The company had a total number 98, 010  total number of inbound passengers and 102, 103 outbound passengers.

Collectively, Aero, Arik, Azman Air, Dana, Medview, Overland, First Nation and Air Peace operated 5, 143 flights and 2, 634 flight delays.

For March 2016, a total number of 1, 508 flights operated on international routes while 4, 892 flights operated on domestic routes.

Wole Shadare