The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned international airlines over the growing number of complaints from passengers who are flown partway to their destinations only to be sent back to Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, criticized the practice, noting that it harms passengers and damages the aviation sector’s credibility.
“Refusing boarding or deporting passengers at transit stops due to visa and travel restrictions is unacceptable,” Achimugu said.
He reminded airlines of their obligation under the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 to provide clear information about travel restrictions before issuing tickets.
The NCAA announced that it will impose strict penalties on airlines violating these rules.
“Any airline engaging in such actions will face regulatory sanctions, including fines or suspension of flight operations,” he added.
The agency urged international carriers to comply with regulations and ensure passengers do not suffer unnecessary disruptions due to poor pre-flight communication.