The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all domestic airlines operating in the country to fully comply with provisions for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and passengers with disabilities by integrating a mandatory Special Needs/Assistance request option into their ticket reservation systems.

The directive was reiterated on Friday in a circular signed by the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu.

The Authority recalled its earlier correspondence (Reference No. NCAA/CPD/585/1/22 dated April 13, 2022), which instructed domestic airlines to prominently include on their online ticketing platforms a mandatory field or column enabling passengers to request assistance or provide advance notice of special needs before completing ticket purchases.

Achimugu explained that the directive is further reinforced by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, specifically Part 19.12.3.1. The regulation mandates airlines, travel agents, and tour operators to provide travellers with the opportunity to request assistance at the point of booking across all ticket sales channels, including online platforms and telephone reservations.

Under the regulation, operators are required to mandatorily include a designated field on ticket portals through which persons with disabilities or their assistants may request special assistance while booking or purchasing flight tickets. Airlines must also actively inquire whether any passenger within a booking party may require assistance at the airport or during flight operations.

“In view of the foregoing, all affected airlines are hereby directed to conspicuously integrate a mandatory special needs assistance request option into their ticket reservation systems, ensuring that passengers can request such assistance before completing the ticket purchase process,” the circular stated.

Achimugu noted that airlines are expected to comply within seven days of receiving the directive, warning that failure to do so would attract appropriate regulatory enforcement in accordance with applicable aviation laws.

He reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to promoting inclusive, accessible, and safe air travel, stressing that the Authority will continue to enforce regulations that protect the rights and dignity of passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility.