The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has stated that it will not hesitate to apply relevant regulatory sanctions against Turkish Airlines for mistreating Nigerian passengers.
NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, informed journalists of this on Wednesday in Lagos.
Achimugu mentioned that President Bola Tinubu has instructed the NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other relevant agencies to always protect the rights of Nigerian passengers.
The NCAA is currently mediating a dispute between Turkish Airlines and aviation labor unions, who have been picketing the airline’s operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
He emphasized that the agency is prepared to impose severe penalties on Turkish Airlines, as Nigerian passengers remain stranded due to the airline’s failure to transport them to Istanbul.
Achimugu assured that the Federal Government and its agencies are committed to holding any airline accountable for violating Nigerian passengers’ rights.
He added that the NCAA’s Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, initiated reconciliation efforts in a virtual meeting with the Turkish Airlines Country Manager and union representatives. However, the airline’s representative displayed a lack of respect for the regulatory system, which the NCAA found unacceptable.
Achimugu noted that the Federal Government would thoroughly investigate the incident and impose appropriate sanctions if Turkish Airlines is found at fault.
He confirmed that over 300 passengers were affected by the conflict between Turkish Airlines and the aviation unions, resulting in the cancellation of flights to and from Nigeria until Thursday.
Although Turkish Airlines claimed to have notified passengers via email about the operational disruptions, some passengers still arrived at Lagos Airport expecting to fly.
Achimugu stated, “The NCAA is currently investigating the reasons behind Turkish Airlines’ inability to operate flights out of Lagos Airport due to the union’s picketing. We will ensure the rights of Nigerian passengers are upheld.
“President Bola Tinubu has directed the NCAA, FAAN, and other relevant agencies to protect Nigerian passengers’ rights. Currently, the NCAA is engaging with Turkish Airlines officials, but we have observed insolent behavior from the Country Manager, who engaged in a shouting match with our D-G and even banged the table.
“This behavior is unacceptable to the NCAA. If our investigation finds the airline culpable, we will apply the relevant regulations under Part 17 to impose the appropriate penalties.”
