Reps demand full enforcement of rules, regulations guiding delay cancellation of flight

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday demanded the full enforcement of rules and regulations guiding the delay and unexpected cancellation of flights against erring airline operators.

Whike condemning in strong terms, the flagrant delays, cancellations, and ill-treatment meted out to passengers
by the airlines in the Nigerian aviation industry, the urged the Minister of Aviation and Chief Executive Officers of the Federal Airports Authority, the
Federal Competition and Consumers Commission, and various heads of operators’ associations and
groups in the sector to develop policies and regulations to protect and preserve the rights of travellers
in Nigeria and ensure stringent implementation.

The House resolution was reached on Wednesday following a motion on need to Address the Delay, Cancellations and ill Treatment meted out to Passengers by Airlines in the Nigerian Aviation Industry by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu:

He noted that Nigerian airports have been rated the busiest airports in West Africa;
Also notes the Federal Government’s efforts to support the operators in the aviation industry within the
country

Worried about the frequent delays, cancellations, and ill-treatment meted out to innocent passengers by the airlines at their respective airports, he said some travellers had missed their medical, business, job interviews, aptitude tests, and
appointments due to the delay or cancellation of their trips.

“A good number of travellers have had causes to sleep at the airport due to controllable delays or cancellations of movement by the operators. It takes a long time to refund tickets, to the extent that some passengers have to forfeit their money:, he said.

According to him, travellers are legally entitled to a full refund, which includes monies paid for the ticket, taxes, baggage fees, and extra and ancillary charges earned in the course of the journey.