Commercial airlines in Nigeria will soon be required to compensate passengers for flight delays or cancellations starting from January, according to the Ministry of Aviation. The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, during his appearance before the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Aviation for the 2024 budget defense.
Keyamo revealed that the ministry is also working on a plan to publish the list of airlines that have delayed or canceled flights in the media on a weekly basis as part of their efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the industry.
During his address, Keyamo emphasized the importance of ensuring customer satisfaction and highlighted the need for transparency in the aviation sector. “I have called the customers’ satisfactory commission regarding the treatment of Nigerians,” he stated. “On a weekly basis, please publish the list of airlines that don’t fly as at when due, canceled flights, delayed flights, and the duration of the delays.”
He further emphasized the significance of holding airlines accountable, stating, “For every delay, there is a report, an actual report by the regulator. What did they do? Did they pay compensation?”
This move signifies a significant step towards protecting the rights of airline passengers in Nigeria and enhancing the accountability of commercial airlines. It aims to provide passengers with the assurance that their time and travel plans are valued and that they will be compensated in the event of disruptions.
The initiative is poised to bring about a positive shift in the aviation industry, fostering a culture of reliability, punctuality, and customer-centric service among airlines operating in Nigeria.
The impending implementation of these measures marks a pivotal moment in the country’s aviation landscape, reflecting a commitment to prioritizing the welfare and rights of air travelers.
As January approaches, anticipation mounts regarding the anticipated changes, offering hope for a smoother and more accountable flying experience for passengers in Nigeria.
This will indeed be a welcome change for airline passengers, as it provides a recourse for the inconvenience caused by flight delays and cancellations, paving the way for a more passenger-friendly aviation sector in Nigeria.
By addressing the issue of flight delays and cancellations, the aviation sector in Nigeria has the potential to elevate its standards and enhance its appeal to domestic and international travelers alike.
The developments announced by Minister Festus Keyamo signify a significant step toward fostering a more transparent, accountable, and passenger-friendly aviation sector in Nigeria. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring that the rights and interests of air travelers are safeguarded and prioritized.
In conclusion, the forthcoming implementation of these measures heralds a new era for air travel in Nigeria, underscoring the government’s responsiveness to the needs and concerns of airline passengers while setting a precedent for industry standards and accountability.
By diligently adhering to these new regulations, Nigerian commercial airlines have an opportunity to not only rebuild consumer confidence but also to raise the bar for customer service and operational efficiency, positioning Nigeria’s aviation industry as a paragon of reliability and passenger satisfaction.
This article was edited and adapted for an international audience. Daily Nigerian
