Penalised airlines seek dialogue with NCAA

Several airlines sanctioned by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority have reached out to the regulatory body, seeking a meeting to present evidence that they have resolved the issues for which they were penalised.

The Director for Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the development to our correspondent, stating that the affected airlines have been given the option to either pay the penalties or appeal the decision.

“Some have written in to say, ‘Look, we have resolved these cases that we are being sanctioned for. Can we come and meet with you so that we can provide evidence of these resolutions?’ So let us give it time,” he said.

“We gave them sanction letters. Those who are going to pay are going to pay. Those who want to appeal have already appealed. And we will now listen to their cases,” Achimugu added.

He explained that the process is ongoing and clarified that immediate payment of fines is not expected.

“These things are processes. These airlines were given their letters on Friday. If they are going to pay, they cannot have paid by now. That is not how it works,” he stated.

Recall that The PUNCH previously reported that Michael Achimugu warned airlines against exceeding the refund timelines outlined in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, stating that violations would result in sanctions.

Following that, the NCAA took enforcement action against Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Peace, Arik Air, and Aero Contractors. The sanctions followed an earlier warning from the agency, prompted by a surge in passenger complaints.

As part of these measures, 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 hinted at imposing what could be the largest sanction in Nigeria’s aviation history against the airline.