NCAA Seeks End Of Missing, Misrouted Luggages With New Technology

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is moving to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across Nigerian airports as part of efforts to curb cases of missing, delayed and misrouted luggages.

The regulatory agency said it is reviewing existing civil aviation regulations to make RFID baggage tracking mandatory for airlines operating within Nigerian airspace.

The technology is expected to replace the traditional barcode-based baggage identification system and provide airlines and passengers with real-time visibility of checked luggage from check-in to final baggage reclaim.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement forum on Tuesday, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said baggage-related complaints remained one of the major challenges confronting air travellers, coming immediately after flight delays and cancellations.

“For many years now, one of the biggest complaints in the industry has been that of baggage, it’s either passengers’ bags have been short-landed, missing, lost, or destroyed,” Achimugu said.

“After delayed flights, baggage issues are the biggest problem. So what we’ve decided to do is improve the system by automating it. The technology we are looking to use now is RFID to replace the current technology being used.”

Unlike conventional barcodes, which require a scanner to maintain direct line-of-sight with a printed baggage tag, RFID technology uses tags embedded with microchips and antennas to transmit information through radio waves.

The system enables multiple baggage tags to be scanned simultaneously, including when luggage is inside containers or moving through baggage belts and other airport handling points.

According to Achimugu, RFID readers installed along conveyor belts and ramp-loading areas would enable airlines and ground handlers to identify and flag misrouted baggage before it is loaded onto an aircraft.

He said the technology would significantly reduce the possibility of a passenger’s luggage being placed on the wrong flight.

“Standard regulations allow airlines up to seven days to locate and reconcile short-landed baggage with domestic travelers. With RFID tracking, missing or misrouted luggage can be identified and located instantly,” he explained.

The NCAA also disclosed plans for a dedicated mobile application that would enable passengers to monitor their baggage throughout the journey.

Through the application, travellers would be able to track the movement of their luggage from check-in and sorting to the aircraft and, ultimately, the baggage carousel at their destination.

“Even while you have boarded, you can check to be sure that your bag is on that flight,” Achimugu said.

“And if for any unforeseen circumstance your bag has not landed with you, you can tell even without complaining to the airline where your bag is. So when you call to complain, you can tell them specifically, ‘I’ve landed in Lagos, but my bag is in Enugu.'”

The NCAA said the implementation is being developed in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which owns and manages airport infrastructure.

It added that integration of the RFID system with the operating systems of various airlines was already underway, while the contract is expected to be finalised shortly.

The regulator said operations are targeted to commence before the end of the year, subject to completion of the ongoing regulatory and technical processes.