The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Friday January 30, directed all domestic airlines to fully comply with provisions for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and passengers with disabilities.
Airlines are required to include a mandatory special needs or assistance request feature on their ticket reservation systems.
The directive was reiterated in a circular signed by Michael Achimugu, director of public affairs and consumer protection at NCAA.
The authority referenced its earlier correspondence (Ref. No. NCAA/CPD/585/1/22, April 13, 2022), which instructed airlines to prominently include a field or column on online booking platforms for passengers to request assistance or notify airlines of special needs before completing ticket purchases.
Achimugu explained that this directive is further reinforced by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, Part 19.12.3.1, which requires airlines, travel agents, and tour operators to offer passengers the opportunity to request assistance at the point of booking across all sales channels, including online platforms and telephone reservations.
Under the regulation, airlines must actively inquire whether any passenger in a booking party requires assistance at the airport or during the flight.
The designated field on ticketing platforms ensures passengers can request special assistance before completing their bookings.
The circular stated, “In view of this, all affected airlines are directed to integrate a mandatory special needs assistance request option into their ticket reservation systems within seven days of receiving this circular.
“Failure to comply will attract regulatory enforcement in line with applicable aviation laws.”
Achimugu reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to promoting inclusive, accessible, and safe air travel, emphasizing that the authority will continue enforcing regulations that safeguard the rights and dignity of passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility.
Comments