The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) may soon apply its maximum sanctions against Kenya Airways except the airline addressed satisfactorily all allegations of consumer protection infractions brought against it.
African Business Travel News (ABTNEWS) learnt that NCAA has instructed its legal directorate to commence the process of initiating the maximum enforcement action over cases of consumers protection infractions brought against the East African airline.
In a statement the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Mike Achimugu inforned that NCAA is initiating the maximum enforcement action against the airline because of the following alleged infractions.
That the airline after admitting that it violated the right of a Nigerian passenger, Mrs Gloria Omisore and apologised for the same, has refused to retract its misleading official statement earlier issued to obfuscate the facts of the matter.
Achimugu also stated that the management of the airline has refused to address the agreement its officials in Nigeria reached with NCAA on the issue.
In another separate issue, the NCAA spokesperson alleged that Kenya Airways failed to send in a compliance report about a scheduled flight that was delayed for seven hours with no compensation for the passengers.
On this, Achimugu alleged that the Kenya Airways team claimed ignorance of the NCAA Regulations.(NCARs)
To address their ignorance, the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at NCAA informed that a retreat will be organised for All foreign airlines operating into Nigeria to keep them abreast of the NCARs 2023 especially its Part 19.
“To this end, we are organising a retreat for ALL airlines operating in Nigeria to learn and relearn Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. One would expect that knowledge of all necessary regulations is essential.,” Achimugu insisted
Also for Kenya Airways to escape the heavy sanctions awaiting it, the management of the airline, must without delay, address other long-ignored cases, which Achimugu claimed was read out to its team who attended the meeting.
The NCAA which expressed its dismay by the actions of the airline, alleged that cases of refunds not paid, lost baggage not compensated for despite admitting to losing them, and failure to honour commitments are yet to be addressed by management of Kenya Airways in Nigeria.
Achimugu insisted that NCAA will explore all legal means to ensure that Kenya Airways satisfactorily address every allegation brought against it.
The NCAA spokesperson hinted that the legal directorate of the NCAA would be put on notice of what next line of action to be taken.
“The NCAA is, therefore, initiating stiff enforcement action against Kenya Airways. This action will go through due process. I have put our legal department on notice.,” Achimugu submitted.
