The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says some domestic airlines have acquired more aircraft to boost flight operations.
The Acting Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo disclosed this in Abuja while flagging off a nationwide awareness campaign to educate travelers and airlines on their rights and obligations.
He assured that cases of flight delays, cancellations, and any form of disruption will be reduced due to the latest acquisition made by the airlines.
Capt. Najomo, while giving details of the planes acquired by some of the airlines, said: “No airline wants to delay flights, and that is why some airlines are going about to get more aeroplanes. Before, we did not have capacity. But now, four or five aeroplanes just came in for AirPeace. Three just came in for United Nigeria. Two just came in for Ibom Air and two came in for Valuejet.
“So, there is more capacity now. So I don’t think there will be much delay this yuletide season.”
On the awareness campaign initiated by the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Department, aimed at bridging the gap between passengers and airlines, Najomo said informing passengers about their entitlements and responsibilities is key, adding that it would cut the friction between airlines and passengers.
He said: “The awareness campaign is to let passengers know their rights and obligations and to ensure airlines uphold their duties.
It’s not about always siding with passengers or airlines but ensuring fair treatment for both.
“After two hours of delay, airlines must provide snacks and refreshments. After three hours, passengers are entitled to refunds, either in cash or processed online within two weeks. After four hours, airlines must provide hotel accommodations for overnight delays.”
The DG also urged airlines to notify passengers promptly of any potential delay through text messages or other channels to enable them to adjust their plans.
He said, “The appeal to the airline is to advise their passengers well on time if there’s going to be any delays. Delays are all over the world. No airline will want to bring its airplane out, sell tickets, and delay the flight.
“There are so many indices to delays. We had a symposium lately with the airlines and we charged them to notify their passengers on time. They should send SMS or mail to passengers on time so that they can replan.”
Source: The Nation
