Government Mandates Compensation for Flight Delays
The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared its intention to enforce compensation payments by airline operators to passengers affected by delayed and canceled flights, provided that these disruptions are not due to natural occurrences.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this announcement during a meeting with airline operators held in Abuja on Monday, October 9.
Implementation of NCAA Act Provisions
Minister Keyamo clarified that the government would initiate the implementation of the provisions outlined in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Act.
These provisions would establish the legal framework compelling airlines to fulfill their obligation of compensating passengers for flight delays and cancellations.
Call for Effective Communication Channels
In addition to emphasizing compensation, the minister urged airline operators to establish reliable communication channels to keep passengers informed about flight cancellations promptly.
This proactive communication approach would help passengers receive timely notifications and minimize inconvenience.
Minister Keyamo’s Address to Airlines
Addressing airline operators, Minister Keyamo expressed understanding of passengers’ grievances regarding frequent flight delays and cancellations.
While acknowledging that some issues were beyond airlines’ control, he stressed that not all disruptions could be attributed to the government.
He cited instances where passengers had cleared security screenings and were waiting in the lounge for extended periods, only for their flights to be canceled.
Government’s Commitment to Passenger Rights
Minister Keyamo reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of ordinary Nigerians who frequently endure the inconvenience of delayed and canceled flights.
He clarified that compensation would be enforced when airlines were responsible for the disruptions, emphasizing that the NCAA Act delineated such scenarios as the grounds for compensation.
Enforcing Compensation for Flight Disruptions
Minister Festus Keyamo conveyed his support for both airline operators and passengers.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by airlines, he affirmed his dedication to ensuring that Nigerians receive the compensation they are entitled to for flight delays and cancellations.
He warned that, in due course, the government would enforce these compensation regulations, obligating airlines to provide reparation for inconvenienced passengers.
Conclusion
The Nigerian government, under the leadership of Minister Festus Keyamo, is poised to introduce measures to hold airline operators accountable for compensating passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations.
The enforcement of the NCAA Act provisions is intended to safeguard the interests of travelers and ensure that airlines fulfill their responsibilities in cases of service disruptions not attributable to natural causes.