NCAA Gives Airlines 7 Days to Add Special Needs Option to Booking Systems

By Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

2 February 2026

News

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all domestic airlines to embed a mandatory special needs assistance feature in their ticket reservation platforms within seven days, tightening enforcement of accessibility standards in air travel.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Michael Achimugu on behalf of the Director-General, the regulator said the measure is aimed at improving support for passengers with disabilities and Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM), enabling them to request assistance before completing ticket purchases rather than upon arrival at airports.

According to the NCAA, the seven-day compliance window takes effect from 30 January 2026, the date the directive was issued. Airlines that fail to comply risk regulatory sanctions under applicable aviation rules.

The Authority said carriers must not only provide the option across booking channels, including online portals and telephone reservations, but must also proactively ask whether any passenger in a booking requires airport or in-flight assistance. The move reinforces provisions in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 19.12.3.1, which mandates that travellers be allowed to request support at the point of ticket sale.

Industry stakeholders say the directive marks a significant step toward closing long-standing accessibility gaps in the aviation sector, where passengers with mobility or other support needs often face delays and logistical hurdles due to late notifications.

By shifting assistance requests to the booking stage, the NCAA aims to improve safety planning, turnaround efficiency and passenger experience, while promoting greater independence for travellers with disabilities.

Advocates note that Persons Living with Disabilities frequently encounter structural barriers across transport systems and public infrastructure, limiting participation in social and economic life. The regulator’s enforcement push aligns with broader efforts to embed inclusive design in essential services, though implementation and monitoring will be key to ensuring airlines meet both the letter and spirit of the regulation.