BY ANTHONY OMOH
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a strong warning to domestic airlines, condemning the practice of telling passengers that airline ticket refunds take four weeks or one month to process.
Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, described the practice as a serious violation of consumer protection laws, stating that Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 remains clear on the matter. Refunds, he stressed, must be completed within 14 days of a valid claim.
“Domestic airlines need to stop telling passengers that their refund process takes four weeks. There cannot be two captains-in-command on an aircraft,” Achimugu declared.
NCAA Restates 14-Day Refund Deadline
Achimugu reaffirmed that airline ticket refunds must strictly adhere to the 14-day limit. He said any operator creating its own rules undermines both passengers’ rights and the authority of the regulator.
“The NCAA regulations are clear about the timeframe for ticket refunds, and it is 14 days. Operators cannot create a different rule in this regard,” he emphasized.
The NCAA spokesperson warned that the agency would no longer tolerate violations and that enforcement teams had been directed to ensure strict compliance.
Report Four-Week Ticket Refunds Claim
Passengers who receive messages or notices from airlines claiming that refunds take four weeks are urged to report such communications to the NCAA immediately.
Reports should be forwarded to michael.achimugu@ncaa.gov.ng, ifueko.abdulmalik@ncaa.gov.ng, and cpd@ncaa.gov.ng.
“Enough of this. We cannot all claim to be working for the improvement of the industry while duplicating rules that undermine the Authority and are unfair to passengers,” Achimugu said firmly.
NCAA Vows Strict Enforcement and Sanctions
The NCAA restated its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring that domestic airlines operate within the legal framework. Operators that fail to comply risk sanctions under Nig. CARs Part 19, which governs consumer protection, compensation, and passenger redress.
Achimugu reminded airlines that the NCAA remains the only authority empowered to regulate commercial air transport in Nigeria. He cautioned them against issuing policies that contradict national regulations or mislead passengers.
He added that all domestic carriers including Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik Air, Overland Airways, Green Africa, and United Nigeria Airlines are expected to fully comply.
The Authority also encouraged passengers to stay informed about their rights under Nig. CARs Part 19, noting that transparency and accountability are vital to rebuilding passenger confidence in Nigeria’s aviation system.
