Authorities in Nigeria’s aviation sector have unveiled plans to introduce mobile courts at airports to curb the rising cases of unruly behavior among passengers.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) are spearheading this initiative as part of broader efforts to ensure safety and discipline within airport premises.
Incidents of passengers physically attacking airport staff or disrupting operations have become increasingly common, particularly during delays or flight cancellations.
According to the NCAA, these disruptions often escalate at airports without 24-hour operations, also known as sunset airports, which operate from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Delays from major hubs like Lagos and Abuja frequently result in flight cancellations at these airports, leading to passenger frustration.
During a stakeholders’ meeting held at the NCAA Annex in Lagos, key resolutions were reached to address these challenges.
Among the decisions, operational hours at sunset airports will now be extended to 10:00 p.m., provided adequate lighting and facilities are available.
The meeting also emphasized the need for airlines to optimize their flight schedules and ensure standby aircraft are available for emergencies.
Stakeholders, including representatives from FAAN, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), condemned the growing trend of unruly passenger behavior. The NCAA highlighted plans for joint awareness campaigns to educate the public on the consequences of such actions.
The communique added, “AVSEC officials are to deploy promptly during passenger agitations at the airports and de-escalate aggression professionally.
“Efforts are underway with local leaders to address waste management and other environmental issues near airports, to help reduce bird strike risks.
“Unauthorised access to tarmacs will not be tolerated, and stricter security measures will be enforced.”
Airlines were also urged to improve customer communication during disruptions, provide care packages, and process refunds swiftly, as outlined in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs 2023).
The resolution added, “Passengers must be educated on weather-related disruptions and their implications on flight schedules.
“Airlines must during disruptions mandatorily provide information, CARE, refreshments, rerouting options and hotel accommodation as applicable and process all passenger refunds for tickets as stipulated by Nig. CARs 2023 Part 19 (immediately for cash purchase and within two weeks for online purchases), as mandated by the DGCA.
“Delayed/loss/missing/ pilfered luggage complaints must be addressed speedily with appropriate compensation offered.”
