Arik Air: NCAA sends important message to air travellers

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has assured air travellers that their rights would be protected following the grounding of Arik Air aircraft and the attendant impact it would have on its flights and intending passengers.

Arik Air and Atlas Petroleum International Ltd had been embroiled in a legal tussle. The airline was served  an order by the enforcement department of the FCT High Court attaching their aircraft. A notice of public auction of the planes by the court was also attached.

However, complying with the order of the court, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) grounded the aircraft involved in the dispute to prevent removing them from the court’s jurisdiction or tampering with them.

NCAA in a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, disclosed that its consumer protection officers are available at the terminals to monitor passenger handling and to offer information.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority is well-informed of the grounding of Arik Air aircraft and the attendant impact on its  flights and intending  passengers.

“While the NCAA monitors the situation and  engages Arik Air on its plans for affected passengers, our   Consumer Protection Officers are available at the terminals  to monitor passenger handling and to  offer information.

“Air travellers may also walk into the NCAA Consumer Protection offices, identify and speak with our officers for assistance or send email to [email protected].

“NCAA  empathizes with all affected passengers and  wishes to  assure  of the protection of their rights as critical stakeholders”.