Emmanuel Ochayi
NCAA Vows to Protect Passengers’ Rights
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced stringent measures to address the persistent issue of delayed passengers’ luggage. The agency warned that erring airlines would face fines of $170 for international flights and ₦10,000 for domestic flights as compensation for passengers affected by delayed baggage.
“We will not allow airlines to take passengers for granted anymore,” Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stated during a roadshow at Lagos Airport on Monday. The event aimed to raise awareness among travellers about their rights under the NCAA regulations.
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The NCAA’s recent actions come as part of efforts to enforce compliance with aviation regulations. Achimugu explained that passengers have long been unaware of their rights, which has allowed airlines to sidestep their responsibilities.
“For too long, Nigerians have claimed not to know about the NCAA and what we do,” Achimugu said. “Our responsibility is to ensure passengers know they can demand compensation if their luggage is delayed. It’s time to end the ignorance and ensure airlines follow the rules.”
The NCAA clarified that passengers on domestic flights are entitled to ₦10,000 for delayed luggage, while those on international flights can claim $170. In cases of missing luggage, passengers can request compensation of up to $1,000 for domestic flights and $1,288 under Special Drawing Rights for international flights.
Roadshow Targets Increased Awareness
The Lagos roadshow marked the start of NCAA’s nationwide campaign to inform passengers about their rights. Achimugu revealed that the NCAA’s revamped website now allows passengers to report complaints directly, with the platform significantly increasing the number of lodged grievances.
“With the new portal, passengers now know where to report issues, and this has put airlines on alert,” he noted. “The NCAA is committed to holding airlines accountable while making the process of reporting easier for the public.”
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The awareness campaign will continue in other major airports, including Abuja and Port Harcourt.
Airlines with High Baggage Delay Cases
Data from the NCAA paints a troubling picture of airlines’ handling of luggage. Foreign carriers like Air France, KLM, and Egypt Air recorded the highest cases of delayed or missing baggage.
An executive summary revealed that Air France topped the list with 2,075 cases, followed by KLM (1,938 cases) and Egypt Air (1,850 cases). Other carriers, including British Airways and Lufthansa, also reported significant baggage issues.
Passengers Encouraged to Speak Up
Achimugu urged passengers to take advantage of the NCAA’s regulations and report any violations by airlines. “Passengers need to understand their rights. For instance, if your luggage doesn’t arrive with you, you have the right to demand compensation on the spot. The airlines need to respect this,” he stressed.
With the holiday season approaching, the NCAA is determined to ensure that passengers are not inconvenienced. “We owe Nigerians this awareness,” Achimugu concluded. “No passenger should feel powerless anymore.”
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
