CAA DG frown at airlines over flight delays

By Albert Akota

The Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has frowned at domestic airline operators over the alarming reports of incessant flight delays, disruptions and schedule changes without adequate notice to passengers.
The DG stated that the current record of flight disruptions, poor customer experience and handling of passengers is unacceptable and must be improved upon.
He stressed that airlines must rejig their flight schedule to match their number of serviceable aircraft, given that operators are all aware of the airports, which have sunset operations.
“ Airlines must consider scheduling flights into sunset airports early in the day to minimise cancellations as a result of airport closure at sunset,” he stated.
He emphasised that the authority will ensure that airlines fulfil their obligations to passengers or face sanctions.
Najomo further harped on the need for airlines to handle people with reduced mobility with dignity and without discrimination as airlines are mandated to provide facilities for the movement of Persons with reduced mobility.
He noted that by virtue of the provisions of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations Part 19, airlines are required to provide, on their ticket portal, a mandatory field for special needs assistance, requiring their agents to actively ask customers during ticket purchase if they will require assistance.