FG Compel Airlines To Compensate Passengers For Flight Delays, Cancellations

Abuja, Nigeria– The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its intention to issue an order that will require airline operators to provide compensation to passengers for delayed and canceled flights that are not attributed to natural occurrences.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this during a meeting held with airline operators in Abuja on Monday, October 9.

Addressing the issue of flight delays and cancellations, Minister Keyamo expressed empathy for the frustrations experienced by ordinary Nigerians who frequently encounter these problems. He acknowledged that while airline operators have often cited government-related factors for such disruptions, there are instances where the responsibility lies with the airlines themselves.

The Minister explained cases where flights were delayed due to passengers passing through security screening, only for the airline to subsequently cancel the flight after a significant waiting period in the lounge.

He noted that the government is committed to implementing the provisions of the NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority) Act, which stipulates compensation for flight delays caused by human fault.

However, he clarified that delays attributed to acts of nature would not be subject to compensation.

Minister Keyamo voiced his support for Nigerian travelers and urged airline operators to establish effective communication channels that would enable passengers to receive timely notifications in the event of flight cancellations.