NCAA Gives Airlines Seven-Day Ultimatum to Add Special Needs Option on Booking Platforms

ByMoses Alamu3 hours Ago1 Mins read4

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to all domestic airlines operating in the country to integrate a mandatory special needs assistance option into their ticket reservation platforms, aimed at improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility.

The directive was contained in a statement signed on Friday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu. According to the statement, airlines are required to provide passengers with the opportunity to request special assistance at the point of booking across all ticket sales channels, including online platforms and telephone reservations.

Achimugu stated that the move is part of the regulator’s renewed push to ensure full compliance with existing provisions designed to protect the rights and dignity of passengers with disabilities. He recalled that a similar directive was first issued in April 2022, mandating airlines to clearly display a designated field, box, or column on their booking platforms to enable passengers to indicate special needs before purchasing tickets.

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The NCAA noted that the requirement is further reinforced by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, Part 19.12.3.1. The regulation places clear obligations on airlines, travel agents, and tour operators to make adequate arrangements for passengers who may require assistance during airport and in-flight operations.

Under the regulations, airlines are expected to include a clearly identifiable section on ticket portals where persons with disabilities, or their assistants, can request special needs assistance. Operators are also required to proactively enquire whether any passenger within a booking party may need such assistance.

“In view of the foregoing, the NCAA has directed all affected airlines to conspicuously integrate a mandatory special needs assistance request option into their ticket reservation systems, ensuring that passengers are able to request such assistance before completing the ticket purchase process,” the statement read.

The aviation regulator warned that airlines that fail to comply within the seven-day deadline would face regulatory enforcement in accordance with applicable aviation laws and regulations.