The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned that it will not hesitate to use its slegde hammer on any foreign airline that caused Nigerians passengers to be denied boarding and deported at transit points.
An a statement signed by the Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs Michael Achimugu the CAA, said it will no longer to tolerate complaints about airlines selling tickets to Nigerians, airlift them halfway way where they are denied bording and deported at intermediate or transit points.
NCAA which noted that such restrictions are causing significant distress to passengers and tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria, therefore affirmed that, effective immediately, any airline found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations, or other measures deemed appropriate.
“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has received several complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers, only to airlift them halfway to their destinations and deport them back to Nigeria.
“These actions, which involve the refusal of boarding/entry at intermediate/transit stops to some Nigerians due to visa/travel restrictions are causing significant distress to passengers and tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria,” a statement said.
Finding such practices completely unacceptable, the CAA argued, “It is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destination before they commence their travel.”
It therefore insisted airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them.
“In light of this, the NCAA informs all international airlines operating in Nigeria that the Authority will no longer tolerate these occurrences.”
The NCAA said it expected the cooperation of all airlines in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the aviation industry, as well as ensuring the well-being of Nigerian passengers.
