By Peace Udugba
Air travellers across Nigeria have been reminded that they are entitled to proper care whenever their flights are delayed or cancelled, as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) reinforces consumer protection standards in the aviation sector.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, explained that airlines are legally required to provide basic welfare support to affected passengers. This includes refreshments during short delays, communication assistance such as airtime, and, in more severe cases, hotel accommodation and transport arrangements.
According to Ijagwu, passengers should never be left unattended during disruptions, especially when delays stretch for several hours. He noted that the level of care expected from airlines increases depending on the duration and severity of the delay.
“When there is a delay, passengers are supposed to be given refreshments. If it continues, further support becomes necessary,” he said, adding that cancellations after long waiting periods demand even greater responsibility from airlines.
He stressed that beyond legal obligations, airlines are expected to exercise reasonable care to ensure passengers are not stranded or abandoned. Each case, he said, is assessed based on factors such as waiting time, communication provided, and efforts made to reduce inconvenience.
The FCCPC’s reminder comes amid growing complaints from travellers over frequent delays, sudden schedule changes, and cancellations at major airports. At Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, passengers were recently left stranded for hours following multiple rescheduling incidents, with many reporting a lack of adequate support.
Industry experts attribute the ongoing disruptions to operational challenges, particularly the rising cost and limited supply of aviation fuel, commonly known as Jet A1. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has warned that soaring fuel prices are placing significant pressure on domestic airlines.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has hinted that airfares may need to increase to help airlines cope with rising operational costs.
Airline operators, however, argue that current ticket prices are no longer sufficient to sustain their operations, cautioning that continued financial strain could lead to further disruptions in flight schedules nationwide.
