NCAA Demands Accommodation and Full Refunds for Disrupted Flights
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which regulates air travel in Nigeria, has formally instructed Air Tanzania to provide immediate compensation to passengers whose flights were severely disrupted or canceled. The regulator explicitly demanded that the airline must offer accommodation and full ticket refunds to all affected individuals.
This directive was issued following numerous complaints from passengers who were left stranded at airports due to sudden and lengthy delays or cancellations of Air Tanzania flights. The NCAA emphasized that the airline’s failure to adequately care for its customers violates established consumer protection regulations governing air travel in Nigeria.
Violation of Passenger Rights
The NCAA highlighted that air carriers operating within the country are legally required to provide essential care, such as meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation, to passengers facing long delays. Furthermore, travelers must be offered the option of an immediate full refund for tickets when flights are canceled without adequate notice.
The Nigerian regulator has stressed the seriousness of non-compliance. The NCAA is firm that all foreign airlines operating in Nigeria must fully respect the rights of Nigerian consumers and adhere strictly to the country’s aviation rules.
Ensuring Compliance and Fairness
The action taken against Air Tanzania underscores the NCAA’s commitment to protecting passenger rights and ensuring fairness in the aviation industry. The regulator stated that it will closely monitor the airline’s response to ensure that all affected passengers receive the required accommodation and financial compensation without further delay.
