The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed concern over the actions of foreign airlines which sell tickets to passengers only to airlift them halfway their destinations only to deport them to Nigeria.
The regulatory body’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu who disclosed this yesterday said the authority has received several complaints about the issue which has caused pain to many travellers.
The authority, Achimugu said, has, however, warned that any airline found engaging in such practices will be subject to regulatory action.
He listed the actions to include fines, suspension of flight operations or other measures deemed appropriate.
Achimugu stated that these actions which involve the refusal of boarding/entry of intermediate/ transit stops to some Nigerians due to visa/travel restrictions has caused significant distress to passengers thereby tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria.
The Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs said the NCAA finds such policies completely unacceptable, further describing it as the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destinations before they commence their travel.
He further stated that passengers must not be put in a position where they are denied entry or returned to Nigeria only on arrival at international/transit stops.
He reiterated that this is in line with provision of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 19.21.1.1 that states that all airlines and their agents shall ensure that passengers are informed of any potential admissibility issues or travel restrictions in advance of their departure.
He said: “Airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up to date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them.”
Consequently, the NCAA has informed international airlines operating in Nigeria that it would no longer tolerate these occurrences.
“Effective immediately, any airline found to be engaging in such practices will be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations or other measures deemed appropriate,” he said.