NCAA TO PENALIZE AIRLINE OPERATORS FOR DELAYED TICKETS REFUND
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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is prepared to punish airlines that fail to provide passengers with their refunded tickets on time.
Mr. Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, said this in an Abuja statement on Tuesday.
He asserts that the NCAA’s consumer protection mission continues to place a high priority on ticket refund compliance standards.
According to him, the moment has come for airlines to closely follow the refund schedules since noncompliance will result in immediate penalties under Part 19 of the rules.
According to the director, protecting passenger rights was the goal of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.
“Cash purchases must be refunded immediately, and by cash. Refunds for electronic payments, including mobile apps and internet banking, must occur within 14 days,” he said.
The director discussed a specific instance involving Air Peace, saying that the airline had gone past the allotted refund period and that the NCAA had to demand prompt compliance.
He claims that the incident has prompted the regulators to take firm action against non-compliance in any form.
“Over the past year, the NCAA has worked with airlines to enhance passenger experience and resolve operational challenges.
” The Authority has maintained a balanced approach, fostering cooperation between operators and regulators to promote better service delivery.
“Most airlines have been responsive, and the relationship between operators and the NCAA has significantly improved, benefiting passengers across the board,” he said.
However, Achimugu declared that the time of lax enforcement was over and that more stringent procedures were now in place
The director threatened to impose penalties on airlines that did not comply with the NCAA Regulations 2023’s refund deadlines.
The director encouraged the airlines to see compliance as a chance to restore confidence while assuring travelers that the policy change would demonstrate the regulator’s dedication to their rights.
Achimugu advocated for increased efficiency in areas like refunds, which he described as “low-hanging fruits,” while acknowledging the operational difficulties the airlines were facing.
According to the director, the NCAA has previously helped travelers receive significant rebates and complete reimbursements.
He said that although passengers might not fully comprehend the intricacies of airline operations, they should promptly pay any refunds that are due.
He praised the NCAA Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, for their efforts to promote the aviation sector.
“Their commitment to implementing the Minister’s five-point agenda and the 2024 Action Plan, which emphasize ease of doing business and support for domestic carriers.
”These efforts have garnered praise from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), to affirm Najomo as substantive NCAA DG.
“NCAA remains steadfast in ensuring accountability within the aviation sector and the Consumer Protection Department has done extensive works to sensitise passengers and support operators,” he said.
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