The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Air Peace to its headquarters on Monday over a series of unexplained flight disruptions.
This follows passenger complaints about a cracked windshield diversion that left travellers stranded in Lagos.
Consequently, the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Department has activated a full investigation into the incidents.
Why NCAA Summoned Air Peace
Passengers on the Air Peace Heathrow-Abuja flight were rerouted via Gatwick-Lagos-Abuja after a reported air return due to a cracked windshield.
Additionally, passengers were left stranded in Lagos without adequate support from the airline.
Micheal Achumugu, Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection of NCAA was very emphatic.
“We will not tolerate any abandonment of paying passengers. While the Authority continues to support domestic carriers, we hold all operators to the strictest standards. An investigation into these disruptions will be conducted and appropriate action taken as usual based on the facts of the incident as enshrined in Part 19 of the NCAA regulations 2023.”
Moreover, the NCAA summons Air Peace over Heathrow-Abuja disruptions follows a pattern of complaints covering delayed refunds, unpaid compensations, and failure to provide first needs to affected passengers.
Read Also: Bird Strike Halts Air Peace Flight to Lagos
Therefore, the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Department stepped in to enforce passenger rights under Nigerian aviation law.
What Part 19 NCAA Regulations Say
Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 governs consumer protection for air passengers in Nigeria. Under these regulations, airlines must provide stranded passengers with first needs including meals, accommodation, and communication access.
Additionally, airlines must process refunds and compensation within clearly defined timelines.
Therefore, the NCAA summons Air Peace over Heathrow-Abuja disruptions signals that the regulator will enforce these provisions without exception against any carrier, domestic or international.
