Nigerian airports to get mobile courts to try unruly passengers

Authorities in Nigeria’s aviation sector have announced plans to establish mobile courts at airports to address unruly passenger behavior, including “physical attacks on airline and airport workers and the disruption of airport facilities during protests over flight delays or cancellations.”

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have condemned such conduct and are implementing measures to manage flight disruptions, particularly at sunset airports—those operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. due to limited night flying capabilities.

At a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the NCAA in Lagos to tackle rising flight disruptions, it was agreed to extend operational hours at sunset airports to 10:00 p.m. for those with adequate facilities and lighting.

The meeting, attended by FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, representatives of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) Vice-President Allen Onyema, addressed flight disruptions caused by harmattan and operational challenges.

In a communique signed by NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Michael Achimugu, stakeholders condemned the increase in unruly passenger behavior.

“AVSEC officials are to deploy promptly during passenger agitations at the airports and de-escalate aggression professionally,” the communique stated.

Authorities also announced plans to enhance security by restricting unauthorized access to tarmacs and tackling environmental issues near airports to reduce bird strike risks.

Airlines were advised to streamline their flight schedules, maintain standby aircraft to handle Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations, and use NIMET weather forecasts for improved flight scheduling.

The communique highlighted the need for airlines to collaborate on luggage and passenger handling, citing Ibom Air’s partnerships as an example. Passengers were urged to be informed when luggage is removed due to space or weight constraints.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of educating passengers about weather-related disruptions and their impact on flight schedules. “Passengers must be educated on weather-related disruptions and their implications on flight schedules,” it noted.

Airlines were reminded to adhere to customer care obligations during disruptions, including providing information, refreshments, rerouting options, hotel accommodations, and processing refunds as stipulated by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs 2023, Part 19). Complaints about delayed, lost, or pilfered luggage must be resolved swiftly with appropriate compensation.

Efforts to improve public awareness and prevent unruly passenger behavior will include sensitization campaigns by NCAA and FAAN, alongside stricter enforcement of security measures at airports.