The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said it will impose fines of $170 and N10,000 on foreign and local airlines, respectively for delayed passengers’ luggage as a first measure to guard against such acts.
The agency said going forward, it would take tough measures against airlines that delay passengers’ luggage.
Speaking on Monday during a roadshow organised by NCAA at the Lagos airport to sensitise passengers who will be travelling during the yuletide, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, assured that the regulatory agency would implement the sanctions against any erring airline to the latter.
In October, the NCAA stated that passengers could claim up to $1,000 for missing luggage on domestic flights as well as $1,288 Special Drawing Rights for international flights.
Achimugu regretted that for a very long time, most of the air travellers were unaware of their rights, which made the airlines continue to violate them.
He, however, said with the roadshow, the travelling public would be more aware of their rights in the NCAA acts and the appropriate quarters to complain to.
“Our duty, which is what we owe Nigerians, is to bring awareness to the industry. The passengers need to become more aware of their rights so that airlines will not continue to cheat them.
“The little things about the regulations that the passengers need to know, for instance, if you arrive at an airport and your luggage didn’t arrive with you, most passengers do not know that they have a right to demand compensation from the airlines.
“If it is a domestic flight, you can walk to the airline’s counter to demand for your N10,000 for not bringing your bag with you. For international flights, it is $170. A lot of passengers do not know this thing, but today, we are bringing an end to that circle of ignorance. We are bringing the regulations to Nigerians in an exciting manner.”
Making reporting easier for the passengers, Achimugu called the passengers’ attention to the newly launched NCAA website, stressing that the portal has made passengers more aware, causing a spike in the number of complaints from passengers.
He added that the portal had also put the airlines on their toes.
Achimugu stated that the roadshow and stakeholders’ summit would also occur in Abuja and Port Harcourt airports.
A summary from the NCAA indicated that no fewer than 19,274 passengers’ luggage, across all airlines – foreign and local, were declared delayed/missing in the first half of 2024.
