NCAA Plans Sanctions For Airlines Over Delayed Ticket Refunds

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is ready to sanction any airlines that delay ticket fees refund to passengers

Mr Michael Achimugu, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, tickets refund compliance regulations remains central to the NCAA’s consumer protection agenda.

He said the time had come for airlines adhere strictly to the refund timelines as failure to comply will attract immediate sanctions under Part 19 of the regulations.

The director said the Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 aimed to safeguard passenger rights.

“Cash purchases must be refunded immediately, and by cash. Refunds for electronic payments, including mobile apps and internet banking, must occur within 14 days,” he said.

Speaking on a specific case involving Air Peace, the director stated that the airline had exceeded the stipulated refund timeframe, compelling the NCAA to demand swift compliance.

According to him, the incident has triggered the regulator’s to take decisive action against any form of non-compliance.

“Over the past year, the NCAA has worked with airlines to enhance passenger experience and resolve operational challenges.

“The Authority has maintained a balanced approach, fostering cooperation between operators and regulators to promote better service delivery.

“Most airlines have been responsive, and the relationship between operators and the NCAA has significantly improved, benefiting passengers across the board,” he said.

Achimugu , however, said that the era of leniency had ended with stricter enforcement measures now in place.

The director said that airlines that failed to meet the refund timelines outlined in the NCAA Regulations 2023 would face sanctions.

NAN