Keyamo Announces Plan for Compulsory Compensation for Flight Delays from 2024
In a significant move to address the persistent issue of flight delays and cancellations in Nigeria, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has declared that aviation regulators will enforce mandatory compensation for affected passengers starting from January 2024.
Keyamo made this announcement during his appearance before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation, where he defended his ministry’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The revelation comes on the heels of reports from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) indicating that over half of the domestic flights in the country between January and March faced delays.
Out of a total of 18,288 domestic flights during this period, 10,128 were delayed, representing a significant 55 percent.
To enhance transparency and accountability, Keyamo assured that a weekly list of airlines responsible for delayed or cancelled flights, along with details of the compensation provided, will be published in the media as part of the new compensation scheme.
Keyamo proposed a novel approach to compensation, suggesting that a discount be applied to the flight tickets of airlines responsible for delays.
He emphasized the importance of holding airlines accountable for their actions and ensuring that passengers receive fair compensation.
The minister also addressed the issue of airport development, advocating for the concession of airports to private investors as the most viable option.
He stressed the necessity of private partnerships due to financial constraints faced by the government, asserting that concessions would allow the country to attract top-tier investors capable of transforming and managing Nigerian airports effectively.
In urging for a strategic approach to concessions, Keyamo emphasized the need to seek out the best hands globally, encouraging tier one investors to contribute to the development of Nigerian gateways.
Source: Premium Times
