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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Stop giving passengers false hope during flight delays, NCAA warns airlines

From The Punch · (1d ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged airlines to be more transparent with passengers regarding the true reasons for flight delays.
  • The NCAA warned against providing misleading information, emphasizing that passengers need accurate updates to make informed decisions.
  • The authority stressed that airlines must mitigate passenger inconvenience, including providing accommodation when necessary for prolonged delays.

Passengers in Nigeria deserve clear and honest communication when their flights are delayed, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is making sure airlines get the message. In a strong directive, the NCAA has called on all carriers operating within the country to prioritize transparency, especially when operational issues cause significant disruptions.

Airlines should, please, ensure to let passengers know the true reasons for lengthy delays, especially when it is a fuelling issue.

— Michael AchimuguDirector of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, urging transparency from airlines.

Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, took to his X handle to issue a stern warning against misleading passengers. He highlighted the frustration and disruption caused by airlines keeping travelers in "false hopes from morning until late night," only for flights to be canceled or rescheduled at times that compromise safety or make travel impractical. This lack of clear information affects everyone, from government officials to business people and students, impacting crucial appointments and plans.

Do not keep people waiting in false hopes from morning until late night, only to either cancel or fly at an hour where safety at destination city is not guaranteed.

— Michael AchimuguCriticizing airlines for misleading passengers during prolonged delays.

The NCAA, under the directive of Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo, is enhancing its monitoring of flight operations. While acknowledging that some challenges may not be the airlines' fault, the authority insists that operators have a responsibility to manage the inconvenience. This includes providing passengers with the genuine reasons for delays and allowing them to make informed choices, such as rebooking flights, to avoid missing critical events. The NCAA also cautioned against false updates, like citing "bird strike" when the issue is fuel, or promising departures within minutes when the aircraft isn't even on the ground. For those stranded late into the night, the provision of hotel accommodation is also being stressed as a necessary measure.

Everybody is affected by this avoidable situation; top government officials. Visa interview applicants. Students. Business people. Etc.

— Michael AchimuguHighlighting the widespread impact of flight disruptions.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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