NCAA to Fine Airline Operators for Delayed Ticket Refunds

ABUJA- The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is prepared to penalize any airline that delays ticket refunds to passengers.

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

According to him, ticket refund compliance standards remain a top priority for the NCAA's consumer protection agenda.

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

The director said 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 about a specific situation involving Air Peace, the director claimed that the airline had extended the reimbursement timeframe, prompting the NCAA to demand immediate compliance.

According to him, the incident prompted the regulators to take swift action against all forms of noncompliance.

“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.

However, Achimugu stated that the era of forbearance had passed and that harsher enforcement procedures were now in place.

The director stated that airlines that fail to meet the reimbursement timelines set in the NCAA Regulations 2023 will face fines.

The director reassured passengers that the policy change would reflect the regulator's commitment to their rights and urged airlines to see compliance as a chance to reestablish confidence.