NCAA to sanction airlines over delays

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has frowned at the prevalent cases of deceitful departure time scheduling by commercial airlines, warning the airlines to desist from the infraction or face dire regulatory actions.

The Acting Director General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo stated this on Tuesday at the Authority’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, adding that the NCAA now runs a zero-tolerance approach to regulatory infractions.

Speaking through the NCAA Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, the Ag.DGCA at a media interview said when Capt. Najomo assumed office, “he made the ease of doing business the crux of his action plan for the NCAA.

“In line with that action plan, he has made processes for licensing easy for operators. The time to secure AOC is now shorter and less cumbersome than it used to be in the past.  The NCAA therefore expects reciprocity from airlines. Chief of which is world-class services to passengers.”

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The Ag. DGCA noted that if the NCAA is making doing business easier for operators, then it follows that the operators must satisfy the passengers too with superior services.

“It has come to our notice that some airlines are being reported for advertising deceitful departure times. The NCAA regulation says no airline shall display deceitful passenger departure time at its counter, advert material, or on its’ website.

“We want to make it very clear that the DGCA has directed monitoring and offenders will face serious regulatory actions” he further stated.