Emmanuel OchayiIn a move set to transform air travel experiences, Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, announced a policy compelling airlines to offer a 25% rebate to affected passengers for delays or cancellations starting January 2024.
Addressing aviation stakeholders in Lagos, Najomo emphasized the necessity of enhancing consumer protection and airport certification within the industry.
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“Increasing efficiency is crucial,” Najomo stated. “We’re combatting the issues that have tarnished the joy of air travel. Airlines must understand their operational limitations, as lack of planning and overstretched resources contribute significantly to delays.”
He acknowledged external factors causing disruptions but underscored the need for airlines to manage their capabilities effectively. Critically assessing airline practices, Najomo pinpointed instances, stating, “Some carriers, like Air Peace, spread too thin with insufficient aircraft, leading to frequent delays.”
Moreover, Najomo highlighted plans for a new policy mandating state governments to oversee airports for five years before Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) management. Out of 32 airports, he identified only six as financially viable, emphasizing the burden on regulatory authorities to subsidize non-profitable terminals.
“These airports, built without economic foresight, strain federal resources,” Najomo explained. “Their construction lacks economic rationale, burdening the government without generating returns.”
Najomo’s assertive stance emphasizes reshaping the aviation landscape by rationalizing operations, promoting economic viability, and ensuring consumer satisfaction, heralding a potential transformation in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
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