The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have announced plans to introduce a “No Fly List” to curb the disruptive behavior of passengers at airports.
This new measure targets individuals who vandalize airport facilities or assault airline staff during disputes over flight delays or cancellations.
During a stakeholders’ forum held in Lagos, the Acting Director-General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, and FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, expressed concern over the increasing misconduct of irate passengers.
They described such behavior as unacceptable and emphasized that the authorities will enforce strict penalties against offenders. These penalties include arrest, prosecution, and compensation for damages caused.
The officials also highlighted the need for swift justice, with plans to establish magistrate and mobile courts at airports. This initiative is aimed at addressing cases of violence against airline personnel and preventing disruptions caused by unruly passengers on airport grounds.
Najomo noted that flight delays and cancellations have led to a rise in passenger-related incidents, tarnishing Nigeria’s reputation and weakening confidence in the aviation sector. He urged airlines to improve customer service and adhere to regulatory requirements for ticket refunds.
Providing recent data, Najomo revealed that out of 10,804 flights operated in September and October 2024, 5,225 were delayed and 190 were canceled. He called on airlines to better utilize weather forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and adjust their schedules accordingly.
To improve operations, he stated that the operational hours of “Sunset Airports” would be extended to between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., allowing airlines greater flexibility. Additionally, he urged airlines to comply with NCAA’s Consumer Protection Complaints Portal to resolve grievances efficiently.
