NCAA Issues 7-Day Deadline for Airlines to Add Special Needs Features on Tickets

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has mandated that all domestic airlines operating in Nigeria incorporate a special needs assistance request feature in their ticket reservation systems.

According to the NCAA, this directive aims to ensure compliance with provisions for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and other passengers with disabilities.

The authority underscored that airlines must adhere to this directive within seven days after receiving it, warning that any failure to comply could lead to regulatory action according to existing aviation laws.

This notice was disclosed in a statement released on Friday, signed by the NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on behalf of the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo.

The statement indicated, "The Authority recalls its previous communication referenced NCAA/CPD/585/1/22, dated April 13, 2022, which instructed all domestic airlines to prominently provide a mandatory field or space on their online ticket reservation systems for passengers to request assistance or indicate any special needs before purchasing tickets."

Furthermore, the statement reiterated that the requirement is supported by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig CARs) 2023, specifically section 19.12.3.1. This regulation obligates airlines, travel agents, and tour operators to give travelers the option to request assistance at the time of booking through all sales channels, including online and telephonic reservations. They must also include a designated area on their ticketing platforms for persons with disabilities or their aides to request support during the booking process and actively inquire if any member of the booking party may require assistance at the airport or during flights.

Consequently, the NCAA has instructed all concerned airlines to visibly integrate a mandatory special needs assistance request option into their ticket reservation systems to ensure passengers can request such help prior to finalizing their ticket purchases.

"Airlines must comply within seven days of this directive’s receipt. Non- compliance could lead to regulatory actions in accordance with relevant aviation regulations," the statement concluded.