‘Offenders’ll face actions’: NCAA to sanction airlines over false schedules

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it would sanction airlines engaged in deceitful departure time scheduling.

The Acting Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said this in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs/Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

The NCAA boss warned airlines to desist from the infraction or face dire regulatory actions, saying: “The NCAA now runs a zero-tolerance approach to regulatory infractions.

“Ease of doing business is the crux of the D-G’s 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.”

Najomo stated that if the NCAA was enabling a business friendly environment for operators, then the operators must satisfy the passengers with superior services.

He added: “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.

Recertification: NCAA suspends 10 private jet operations

“We want to make it very clear that the D-GCA has directed monitoring and offenders will face serious regulatory actions.”

Najomo further noted that the NCAA believes in safety, discipline, and economic regulation which, he said, was evident in the recent suspension of ten Permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PHCF) holders for failing to comply with the recertification advisory issued in April 2024.

Speaking on the ease of doing business environment at the NCAA, Najomo said the ease of business is an area the Authority would continue to improve.

On the difficulty in refund processes by airlines, the NCAA boss said all refunds by airlines must be done devoid of undue delays and the process should conclude in 14 working days regardless of the mode of purchase of the tickets.

On the suspension of PHCF licenses of ten operators, Najomo explained that they were advised in April 2024 to commence the process for recertification but they refused to comply, which he said left the Authority with no option but to sanction them.

Najomo also cleared the air on the misconceptions and misinformation in a recent publication alleging that the laws surrounding the suspension of 10 PHCFs were not in vogue, among other accusations.

Najomo explained the NCAA’s actions using the Civil Aviation Act 2022, noting that the action taken by the Authority was part of its mandate to ensure compliance with the civil aviation law establishing it and the attendant regulations.

The Star