Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria, emphasized that airlines failing to meet their flight schedules must compensate passengers for delays and cancellations.
Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with heads of agencies under the ministry, Keyamo acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians due to flight disruptions and emphasized the need to enforce existing laws for compensating affected passengers.
Keyamo highlighted the importance of addressing passenger satisfaction and ensuring the safety of air travelers. To facilitate compensation, he proposed the creation of a code or rebate system for affected passengers when purchasing their next tickets.
“We are not deaf to the cries of Nigerians about delays and canceled flights. The law is there and we are looking at how to enforce those laws for compensation of Nigerians who bear the brunt of cancellation of flights and disrupting the activities.
“The process of grounding the airline or taking the airlines to court will create more problems. So if the reason for the delay and cancellation of flight is their fault they must pay compensation. And what I am suggesting is that if they don’t get cash back they must get some rebate when they buy next ticket.”
The minister expressed a commitment to enforcing these measures to hold airlines accountable for disruptions caused by their faults.
He said: “For the recent incidents that happened recently, some minor, and others classified as serious incidents although there were no fatalities. The NSIB is investigating these incidents and I have directed them that within 10 days from today they must submit their report of the incidents and what actually transpired.
Keyamo directed the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to prepare a weekly catalogue of canceled flights, providing transparency and information for passengers. He also instructed the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau to conclude investigations into recent air incidents and mishaps within the next 10 days.
The minister emphasized the government’s concern for passenger welfare and safety in the aviation sector.
