NCAA warns foreign airlines over denied boarding, deportation of Nigerians

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned all international airlines operating in Nigeria that it will no longer tolerate denied boarding and deportation of Nigerians.

The warning came following complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers, airlifting them halfway to their destinations and deporting them to Nigeria.

The NCAA, in a statement by the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, declared effective immediately, any airline found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations, or other measures deemed appropriate.

The statement read: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has received several complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers, only to airlift them halfway to their destinations and deport them back to Nigeria.

“These actions which involve the refusal of boarding/entry at intermediate/transit stops to some Nigerians due to visa/travel restrictions are causing significant distress to passengers and tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

“Airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them.

“In light of this, the NCAA informs all international airlines operating in Nigeria that the Authority will no longer tolerate these occurrences.

“Effective immediately, any airline found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations, or other measures deemed appropriate.”

Daily Trust reports that in February, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had criticised Kenya Airways regarding the inappropriate treatment of a Nigerian passenger who was stranded at Nairobi Airport.