According to information released by the federal government, an order requiring airline companies to start compensating passengers for delayed and cancelled flights that are not the result of natural disasters will be issued soon.
Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace, made this announcement in a meeting with airline executives in Abuja.
He noted that although the airlines have stated their reasons for such, placing the blame on the government, it is not always the government’s responsibility. He claimed to be speaking for everyday Nigerians who lament the daily delayed and cancelled flights.
He stated “At times, you say you were waiting for passengers to finish passing through the screening machine. At times, they have finished passing through screening machines. They are waiting in the lounge for five hours and you cancel your flight.”
Noting the stipulation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Act on compensation of travellers, he stated “So, you see, after some time, we will start implementing the provisions of the NCAA Act, You know, Nigerians don’t know there is compensation for delay. If it is an act of God, you cannot pay. But if it is human fault, the NCAA Act says you will pay. So, for all airline operators, while I have praised and supported you, I will also support Nigerians. You will pay them. After some time, I will put my feet on the ground. Pay them when you delay, cancel their flight.”
Mr Keyamo urged the airline operators to develop stable and reliable communication channels to ensure passengers receive cancellation notices.
