NCAA descends heavily on airlines over cancellations, fare increase
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned airlines over increase in air fare in the spate of flight cancellations in the country.
The agency in a statement issued by Mr Sam Adurogboye general manager public affairs of NCAA said several reports from the Consumer Protection Officers (CPOs) and aggrieved passengers have inundated NCAA’s offices from across the nation’s airports.
Adurogboye said, the Regulatory Authority was very much aware of the prevailing challenges as regards aviation fuel, it was expected that the Airlines should follow strictly the requirements Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs)in carrying out their operations.
“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”
He warned all Airline Operators to adhere to the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) while dealing with passengers saying that some passengers have parted with their hard earned cash in return for comfort and value while commuting to their destinations.
Adurogboye declare “Therefore sufficient notice must be accorded all intending passengers prior to any operational cancellation.
Where there is a delay in the service, passengers must be duly informed and light refreshment provided”
He advised operators to ensure tickets were not sold to air travellers when there were perceived or real hitches concerning sourcing of aviation fuel (Jet A1).
“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”
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Adurogboye said that the Federal Government was already taking measures that would ameliorate the paucity of Jet A1 that will guarantee availability and allow operators provide adequate services.
He reiterated that all airlines should henceforth guard against frequent flight cancellations that will jeopardise the conditions of carriage agreed with the passengers as the agency has intensified monitoring at all the nation’s airports to clamp down on unjustifiable or avoidable flight cancellation will be viewed with utmost seriousness and where culpability is established very stiff sanctions will be applied.
