NCAA vows to sanction foreign airlines over deportation of Nigerians

Agency Report

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has vowed to take regulatory action against international airlines operating in Nigeria that engage in the practice of denying boarding or deporting Nigerian passengers due to visa or travel restrictions.

This decision comes after the NCAA received several complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers, only to airlift them halfway to their destinations and deport them back to the country.

According to a statement by the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Michael Achimugu, it is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destination before they commence their travel.

The NCAA found the practice of denying boarding or deporting passengers due to visa or travel restrictions a completely unacceptable development that would be vehemently resisted.

“NCAA 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,” the statement read.