Authorities in the Nigerian aviation sector plan to introduce mobile courts at airports to address cases involving unruly passengers.
This measure responds to the increasing incidents of passengers attacking airline staff and disrupting airport facilities during flight delays or cancellations.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have expressed concern over these behaviors and emphasized the need for stricter measures. The mobile courts aim to ensure swift prosecution of offenders.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held at the NCAA Annex in Lagos, participants discussed rising cases of flight disruptions and passenger agitation. Attendees included FAAN Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, representatives from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), led by Vice-President Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace.
A key resolution from the meeting was extending operational hours at “sunset airports” from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., where feasible, to reduce cancellations caused by late arrivals at airports without night-flight facilities.
The communique issued after the meeting highlighted sensitization campaigns against unruly behavior, deployment of Aviation Security (AVSEC) officials to de-escalate passenger agitation, and stricter security measures to prevent unauthorized access to tarmacs.
Airlines were urged to improve operational efficiency by optimizing flight schedules, maintaining standby aircraft, and utilizing weather forecasts. They were reminded of their obligation to provide refreshments, rerouting options, and accommodation during disruptions, and to process ticket refunds promptly.
Stakeholders emphasized collaboration between airlines for improved passenger handling, referencing models like Ibom Air’s partnerships. They also discussed addressing environmental issues near airports, such as waste management, to mitigate risks like bird strikes.
The resolution also called for educating passengers on weather-related disruptions and their impact on flight schedules, as well as addressing complaints about delayed or pilfered luggage with appropriate compensation.
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