NCAA refuses waivers for sanctioned airlines

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has rejected outright waivers requested by several airlines over penalties imposed on them, insisting that the sanctions are meant to drive service improvements for Nigerian travellers.

The Director for Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, disclosed that while most airlines have applied for waivers, the agency remains firm on its decision.

“Most of the airlines have been asking for waivers, which we have refused. But Royal Air Maroc came to pledge to improve the quality of their services to Nigerians,” Achimugu said.

According to him, multiple airlines have submitted requests for leniency, promising to enhance their service delivery. However, he stressed that such promises alone are not enough.

“Almost all the airlines have been writing in to ask for a waiver. Promising they will do better. But we think that they will do better. I have refused these waivers,” he stated.

Despite rejecting outright waivers, Achimugu noted that the NCAA is open to reconsidering the fines, particularly in cases where airlines have successfully resolved passenger complaints.

“But we are willing to review the exact figures, especially for cases that have been resolved. Because at the end of the day, remember, these sanctions are not meant just to punish for the sake of punishment. But to ensure that the airlines can improve their services to Nigerian travellers,” he explained.

He further clarified the authority’s stance, emphasising that while the penalties will not be waived entirely, reductions may be considered for airlines that demonstrate full compliance in resolving all issues.

“We have refused an outright waiver, but we are willing to reduce some of the figures. As long as they can prove that they have resolved every single one of the cases on the sanctions list,” Achimugu added.

The Punch previously reported that Achimugu had warned airlines against exceeding the refund timelines set in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, emphasising that violations would lead to sanctions.

Subsequently, the NCAA took enforcement action against Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Peace, Arik Air, and Aero Contractors. These sanctions came after an earlier warning from the agency, triggered by a rise in passenger complaints.

As part of its actions, the NCAA announced plans to fine Royal Air Maroc up to N300m for alleged unprofessional conduct and failure to comply with regulatory standards. The agency also indicated that it might impose what could be the largest sanction in Nigeria’s aviation history against the airline.