NCAA Cautions Airlines Against Halfway Deportation Of Nigerian Passengers

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a strong warning to international airlines regarding the growing number of complaints from passengers who are flown halfway to their destinations, only to be deported back to Nigeria. The NCAA condemned this practice, highlighting the significant distress it causes to passengers and its negative impact on the reputation of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

In a statement on Thursday, April 3, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, criticized airlines for failing to properly inform passengers about visa and entry restrictions before departure. He emphasized that this lack of communication was contributing to the increasing number of complaints from passengers who are being sent back after being flown halfway to their destinations.

“These actions, which involve the refusal of boarding or denial of entry at intermediate or transit stops due to visa and travel restrictions, are completely unacceptable,” Achimugu said.

Achimugu also urged the airlines to be more proactive in verifying passengers’ documents before departure to avoid these embarrassing situations. He stated that such incidents not only harm the passengers but also reflect poorly on the nation’s aviation industry. The NCAA has demanded that airlines take immediate action to ensure better communication and avoid further inconvenience to travelers.

“Passengers should not be put in a position where they are denied entry or returned to Nigeria only upon arrival at transit stops,” he added.

The NCAA also referred to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 (Part 19.21.1.1), which mandates airlines and their agents to properly screen passengers and provide them with accurate, up-to-date information on travel documents and visa requirements before issuing tickets or allowing passengers to board flights. The authority emphasized that this measure is crucial in preventing situations where passengers are sent back halfway to their destinations, causing unnecessary distress and inconvenience. The NCAA reiterated that airlines must comply with these regulations to avoid any further disruptions and ensure the smooth functioning of air travel.

“Effective immediately, any airline found engaging in such practices will face regulatory action, including fines, suspension of flight operations, or other penalties deemed appropriate,” Achimugu warned.