The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned international airlines operating in Nigeria about the poor treatment of Nigerian customers, particularly denied boarding and deportation.
The warning follows complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers, airlifting them halfway to their destinations and deporting them to Nigeria.
The NCAA, in a statement by the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, said any airline found to be engaged in such practices would be subjected to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations, or other measures deemed appropriate.
He said the order was with immediate effect.
“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.
“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,” Achimugu said.
Continuing, he added that: “In light of this, the NCAA informs all international airlines operating in Nigeria that the Authority will no longer tolerate these occurrences.
“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.”
