The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a new directive prohibiting pilots from taking off with disruptive passengers on board, aiming to enhance safety and discipline in the aviation industry.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, who represented the Director-General, Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, during a meeting with domestic airline representatives.
Achimugu stated that, “Pilots are not to depart until disruptive passengers are removed from the aircraft or the matter is settled amicably."
This measure will help protect cabin crew and encourage passengers to treat them respectfully,” he added.
He emphasized that passengers have no right to assault cabin crew and noted that incidents often escalate due to pilots’ failure to exercise authority.
Achimugu also urged cabin crew to uphold professionalism, stressing that, “Crew members must avoid being rude, and that passengers should not mistake their firmness for discourtesy.”
During the meeting, Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik, Senior Special Assistant to the Director-General and a Deputy General Manager (Flight Operation and Adjudication), warned airlines of penalties for failing to promptly inform passengers or provide proper care during flight delays and cancellations.
Other key issues discussed included passenger handling procedures, pending refund and compensation claims, enforcement of rules requiring phones to be switched off, and the need to safeguard cabin crew members.
Airlines present at the meeting are Arik Air, Air Peace, Ibom Air, Aero Contractors, United Nigeria Airlines, Green Africa Airways, Max Air, Rano Air, ValueJet, and Overland Airways.