The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has warned international airlines over complaints from passengers who are flown halfway to their destinations, only to be deported back to Nigeria.
NCAA condemned the practice, claiming that it causes considerable distress for passengers and damages the reputation of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The agency’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, made this known in a statement on Thursday.
“These actions, which involve the refusal of boarding or denial of entry at intermediate or transit stops due to visa and travel restrictions, are completely unacceptable,” Achimugu said.
“Passengers should not be put in a position where they are denied entry or returned to Nigeria only upon arrival at transit stops,” he added.
Referring to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 (Part 19.21.1.1), the NCAA pointed out that airlines and their agents have an obligation to inform travelers of any potential entry restrictions before departure.
