The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned international airlines about complaints from passengers who are transported to their destination and returned to Nigeria due to entry requirements in the destination country. For airlines, this is a lucrative ticket; selling tickets they would otherwise not sell is called transporting passengers partway.
The NCAA criticized this practice, stating that it inflicts significant distress on travelers and tarnishes the reputation of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Nigeria’s civil aviation regulator has stated that it will take decisive action, including suspending or imposing fines on any international airlines operating in Nigeria that sell tickets to passengers but only transport them partway to their intended destinations before returning them to the country.
Michael Achimugu, the agency’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, released a statement this week, declaring that effective immediately, any airline found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to regulatory action:
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has received several complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers, only to airlift them halfway to their destinations and deport them back to Nigeria.
These actions, which involve refusing boarding/entry at intermediate/transit stops to some Nigerians due to visa/travel restrictions, are causing significant distress to passengers and tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria.
Airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them.
Two months ago, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) lambasted Kenya Airways for its unacceptable treatment of a Nigerian passenger who was stranded at Nairobi Airport.
At that time, the NCAA formally demanded that Kenya Airways publicly apologize and offer compensation to the passenger for the distress she experienced due to the actions of the airline’s staff in Nairobi.
Kenya Airways barred the passenger from boarding, citing alleged “visa issues,” which caused her considerable inconvenience before she ultimately returned to Nigeria.
A viral video shared on social media captured a confrontation between a Kenya Airways representative and the passenger.
In the footage, the airline agent informs the passenger that she will be prohibited from flying with them in the future. The passenger mentions she is in communication with Nigeria’s finance minister, to which the agent, visibly frustrated, retorts that she could contact the Nigerian president if she wishes.
Passenger mistreatment led to a major quarrel between NCAA officials and Kenya Airways. According to the NCAA spokesperson, Kenya Airways has issued an apology.
In light of this, the NCAA informed all international airlines operating in Nigeria that the Authority will no longer tolerate these occurrences.
Effective immediately, any airline engaged in such practices will be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations, or other measures deemed appropriate.”
Citing the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 (Part 19.21.1.1), the NCAA also reminded airlines and their representatives of their responsibility to inform travelers about any possible entry restrictions before departure.
“These actions, which include the refusal of boarding or denial of entry at intermediate or transit points due to visa and travel limitations, are entirely unacceptable,” Achimugu stated.
“Passengers should not find themselves in a situation where they are denied entry or sent back to Nigeria upon reaching transit locations,” he said.
“The NCAA expects the cooperation of all airlines in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the aviation industry, as well as ensuring the well-being of Nigerian passengers,” Achimugu added.
