The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has threatened to sanction international airlines over reports of Nigerian passengers being denied boarding or deported midway through their travels due to visa or travel restrictions.
In a press statement released in Abuja yesterday, signed by the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA condemned the action, saying that it was completely unacceptable and vowed to take regulatory action against the airlines involved.
Achimugu noted that NCAA had received several complaints regarding airlines selling tickets to Nigerian travellers, only to transport them partway before sending them back to Nigeria from intermediate transit stops.
This practice has caused significant distress to passengers and tarnished the reputation of the country’s aviation industry.
According to the statement, it is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential travel restrictions or entry requirements before they begin their journey.
The statement reads in part: “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 involved 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.
“The NCAA finds such practices completely unacceptable. It is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destination before they commence their travel.
Passengers should not be put in a position where they are denied entry or returned to Nigeria only on arrival at intermediate/transit stops.
“In line with the provisions of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 19.21.1.1, all airlines and their agents shall ensure that passengers are informed of any potential admissibility issues or travel restrictions in advance of their departure.”
