Deportation Of Nigerians Midway Not Acceptable, NCAA Tells International Airlines

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has threatened to sanction airlines for deporting Nigeria passengers or denying them boarding halfway to their destinations due to visa/travel restrictions.

The regulatory body said the action, which is becoming rampant recently, was causing significant distress to passengers and tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria and will not be acceptable.

Director, consumer protection and public affairs of NCAA, Michael Achimugu, who stated this on Thursday, noted that the agency “has received several complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers, only to airlift them halfway to their destinations and deport them back to Nigeria.

“These actions, which involve the refusal of boarding/entry at intermediate/transit stops to some Nigerians due to visa/travel restrictions are causing significant distress to passengers and tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

“The NCAA finds such practices completely unacceptable. It is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destination before they commence their travel. Passengers should not be put in a position where they are denied entry or returned to Nigeria only on arrival at intermediate/transit stops.”

While warning that the NCAA will apply sanctions where necessary, the NCAA said airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them.

The NCAA further stated that, “in line with the provisions of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 19.21.1.1, all airlines and their agents shall ensure that passengers are informed of any potential admissibility issues or travel restrictions in advance of their departure.

“Airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them.

“In light of this, the NCAA informs all international airlines operating in Nigeria that the Authority will no longer tolerate these occurrences.

“Effective immediately, any airline found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations, or other measures deemed appropriate.

“The NCAA expects the cooperation of all airlines in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the aviation industry, as well as ensuring the well-being of Nigerian passengers.”