Mr Adamu Abdullahi, the Director, Consumer Protection Directorate (CPD), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), says flight delays and cancellations are unavoidable in the aviation industry.
Abdullahi made this known, on Tuesday, in Lagos while briefing aviation correspondents at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja on incessant flight delays by airlines.
He explained that some of the delays were due to technical, operational and safety reasons like weather, mechanical failure and VIP movements.
Abdullahi, however, said that the aviation directorate would not sacrifice safety for passengers’ comfort.
“Delays and flight cancellations are inevitable in the aviation industry, it must happen. The regulations realised that and that is why we looked at it and we decided to ensure compensation to passengers.
“However, I will prefer to call it refreshments for the passengers, rather than compensation and if you delay a passenger for up to two hours, you have to give him some kinds of refreshments.
ALSO READ: TETFUND clarifies alleged infractions in submission of 2014–2016 accounts
“You must have a way of compensating them until the flight is announced, although, there are many reasons for delays and cancellations, most of them are safety based.
“When safety is involved, we don’t discuss comfort and we even encourage airlines to delay or cancel flights whenever they have technical or weather-related issues.
“So, when an airline can prove to us that it delayed a flight due to safety, then, they are off the hook and it won’t attract sanctions.’’
Abdullahi said the directorate do not announce when it sanctions any airlines because it might likely de-market the airline.
He, however, said in spite of this, the directorate would ensure that the rights of the flying public were not infringed on by airlines and other organisations in the sector.
Abdullahi explained NCAA encouraged non-punitive reporting system, which inspires airlines to report issues.
(NAN)
Air India’s Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Wilson, has said that the preliminary report on last…
The stakeholders of the Coalition of Political Opposition in Kaduna State and the African Democratic…
The application process, supervised by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB),…
Since 2021, the UK has restricted adoptions from Nigeria due to concerns over organised child…
This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership,…
Spain experienced a 5.3 magnitude earthquake early Monday, just hours after parts of the country…
This website uses cookies.