NCAA cracks down on airlines for deceptive departure times

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced it will impose sanctions on airlines that engage in deceptive scheduling of departure times.

Chris Najomo, the acting Director General of the NCAA, stated at a press conference in Abuja that the authority will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to regulatory infractions. “Airlines must cease this deceitful practice or face severe regulatory consequences,” Najomo warned.

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Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasised the agency’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business for operators. “Since assuming office, Najomo has prioritised making processes for licensing easier and less cumbersome,” Achimugu said. “The time to secure an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is now shorter. We expect airlines to reciprocate by providing world-class services to passengers.”

Furthermore, Najomo highlighted that some airlines have been reported for advertising misleading departure times. “The NCAA regulation clearly states that no airline shall display deceitful passenger departure times at its counter, in advertisements, or on its website,” he said. “Offenders will face serious regulatory actions.”

The NCAA has recently suspended ten PNCF holders for failing to comply with recertification advisories issued in April 2024. “While we support airlines’ profitability due to their critical value to the economy, it is essential that passengers are treated fairly,” Najomo stated.

Speaking on the ease of doing business, Najomo pointed to the NCAA’s high score on the Presidential Enabling Business Council (PEBEC) ranking. “We scored 98.5 percent, an improvement from the 71.04 we achieved during this year’s ICAO Security Audit,” he said. “We will continue to do everything possible to make the aviation industry safer, more secured and efficient for passengers and stakeholders.”

Najomo also addressed the issue of refunds, stating that all refunds by airlines must be completed within 14 working days, regardless of the mode of ticket purchase. “This is to ensure passengers are not unduly inconvenienced,” he added.