Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is ready to sanction any airlines that delay tickets refund to the passengers.

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is ready to sanction any airlines that delay tickets refund to the passengers.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is cracking down on airlines that delay ticket refunds to passengers. According to NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, the authority will sanction any airline that fails to refund tickets promptly .

The NCAA Regulations 2023, specifically Part 19, mandate that cash purchases be refunded immediately in cash, while refunds for electronic payments must occur within 14 days .
Achimugu emphasized that the time has come for airlines to adhere strictly to these refund timelines, and failure to comply will attract immediate sanctions.

The NCAA has been working with airlines to enhance passenger experience and resolve operational challenges. However, the authority has taken a stern stance on refund delays, citing a specific case involving Air Peace, which exceeded the stipulated refund timeframe .

Achimugu warned that the era of leniency is over, and stricter enforcement measures are now in place. Airlines that fail to meet the refund timelines will face sanctions, and the NCAA will no longer "chase down" airlines to comply with regulations .

The NCAA's consumer protection agenda prioritizes safeguarding passenger rights, and the authority is committed to promoting better service delivery through cooperation between operators and regulators .