Delayed/Cancelled Flights: Airlines to Start Paying Compensation to Passengers-Keyamo

No longer business as usual!

That’s what the Federal Government has told airlines in Nigeria, indicating that it would soon order airline operators to start paying compensation to passengers for delayed and cancelled flights, except those caused by natural occurrences.

This was disclosed by the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, during a meeting with airline operators in Abuja on Monday.

“On delayed flights,” Keyamo declared, “I want to speak for the ordinary Nigerians who complain every day about delayed, cancelled flights. I know you have said all your reasons. You have blamed the government and a few things we do. But I also want to say that it is not all the time that it is government.

“At times, you say you were waiting for passengers to finish passing through the screening machine. At times, they have finished passing through screening machines. They are waiting in the lounge for five hours and you cancel your flight.

“So, you see, after some time, we will start implementing the provisions of the NCAA Act. You know, Nigerians don’t know there is compensation for delay. If it is an act of God, you cannot pay. But if it is human fault, the NCAA Act says you will pay. So, for all airline operators, while I have praised and supported you, I will also support Nigerians. You will pay them. After some time, I will put my feet on the ground. Pay them when you delay, cancel their flight.”

The Minister advised the airline operators to maintain stable communication channels that enable passengers to get cancellation notices.