The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that air passengers will soon be eligible for 100% instant refunds in the event of flight cancellations. The Director General of the NCAA, Capt Musa Nuhu, made this announcement during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Tuesday. According to Capt Musa Nuhu, this new regulation will take effect once it is signed into law.
Capt Musa Nuhu also revealed that flight cancellations and delays are costing the aviation industry in Nigeria over a billion naira in earnings, although he did not provide a specific time frame for this loss. He emphasized the importance of passengers to the aviation industry, stating, “Without the passengers, we don’t exist. The passengers are those who pay our salaries. Majority of the entire generated revenue of the NCAA, 80% or more, is from the 5% paid by the passengers. So, they pay our salaries.”
The announcement comes amidst an ongoing strike by aviation workers at airports across Nigeria, which has disrupted scores of flights and left thousands of local and international passengers stranded. The strike, which entered its second day on Tuesday, is in protest of the non-release of the reviewed Condition of Service, as well as other issues such as the planned demolition of Dominion and EAN hangars.
When asked if passengers would be eligible for refunds for tickets purchased before the strike to make alternative travel arrangements, Capt Musa Nuhu stated, “It should be immediately. We are currently reviewing our regulations to review what’s done in the past that gives some days for refund if my flight is cancelled. What we have in the new regulation that will be signed into law very soon when it’s all cleaned up is that if you cancel my flight, you should put me on another flight or give me the option of getting a refund immediately so that I can make other plans.”
Capt Musa Nuhu also highlighted the financial impact of flight cancellations during the strike, stating, “Certainly, in the billions. From direct losses to the airlines and indirect losses to the economy because when people miss their connections a lot is lost. I can’t say but I can guarantee you it’s in the billions. At least over a billion. I think I am being very conservative.”
Efforts are being made to resolve the strike, with a meeting scheduled among the striking unions, the Head of Service, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Budget Office, according to Capt Musa Nuhu. He appealed to the unions to give the Federal Government the opportunity to resolve the crisis, expressing concern for the impact of the strike on innocent passengers and the aviation industry as a whole.
