NCAA for suspension of car carriers for deportation of passengers, refused boarding

The Civil Aviation Authority in Nigeria (NCAA) has stated that from now on, the fine will be suspended and will perform other regulatory actions against foreign airlines that sell tickets to passengers only to transmit them to the air to their destinations and to deport them back to Nigeria.

He said he received several complaints about the problem that caused travelers.

NCAA, in a statement, said that these actions, which involve the refusal to embark/entry intermediate/transit for some Nigerians due to visa/travel restrictions, cause significant suffering to passengers and prevent the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

The statement signed by Michael Achinugu, the director of the protection of consumers and public affairs, said that NCAA believes that such completely unacceptable policies, describing it as the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any barriers to their admissibility in their destinations before starting their journey.

He also stated that passengers should not be put in a position in which they are refused entry or returned to Nigeria only upon arrival at international/transit stops.

He reiterated that this is in accordance with the provision of the regulation on civil aviation in Nigeria 2023 Part 19.21.1.1, which states that all airlines and their agents will ensure that passengers are informed about any admissibility problems or travel restrictions before leaving.

He said: “Airlines must take appropriate measures for screening and provide passengers exact and updated information on their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and continuing to board them.”

As a result, NCAA informed international airlines operating in Nigeria that it will no longer tolerate these events.

“Immediately, any airline that will be engaged in such practices will be subjected to a regulatory action, including, but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations or other measures considered appropriate.”