Following the consistent flight delays and cancellations during the festive season,the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Chris Najomo, has convened a meeting with airlines’ Chief Executive Officers.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Michael Achimugu made this disclosure on his X handle on Thursday, 26 December, 2024.
He said that Najomo is cutting short an important assignment to meet with all the CEOs of domestic airlines in Nigeria on Friday, 27 December, 2024.
Achimugu recounted an experience he had while trying to catch his flight.
“I walked into the scene this evening while trying to catch a flight myself. Passengers were really angry and threatened to become violent.
“I personally addressed them and engaged for about 20 minutes, explaining that I would confirm from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET, if the weather was truly bad. I also explained that the airline does not have liability in the event of force majeure,” he said.
According to him, despite this, he took certain measures to address the concerns of passengers.
“I insisted that the airline provide transportation back to the Central area for all passengers. I paid for nearby accommodation (Peace Media Hotel) for a few elderly passengers who looked too weak after the lengthy wait.
“The airline agreed to pay 50 per cent compensation to the passengers and agreed to also refund those who sought a refund. “I told the passengers that they could redeem that 50 per cent by cash rather than rebate if they wanted.
“I opened my phone and let as many passengers as possible to scan the NCAA QR code for passengers complaints, and told them to contact me if the airline fails to resolve their complaints by tomorrow morning,” Achimugu explained.
The Director recalled that a few days ago the NCAA announced it would enforce action against five airlines, adding that this will be the first time in more than 10 years that the Consumer Protection Department of the NCAA is taking such action.
He further stated that he had written to NiMET to begin sending daily weather reports directly to his office, which would enable me to ascertain quickly if an airline lies about weather.
Achimugu said three days ago, he voted some money from his salary to some indigent passengers owed refunds by a certain airline whose current situation is critical.
