The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to domestic airlines to fully comply with regulations protecting Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and passengers with disabilities by integrating a mandatory special-needs assistance request feature into their ticket reservation systems.

In a statement released by the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, on behalf of the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Captain Chris Najomo, the Authority warned that defaulting airlines would face regulatory sanctions in accordance with existing aviation laws.

The NCAA recalled an earlier directive contained in a letter referenced NCAA/CPD/585/1/22 dated April 13, 2022, which required all domestic airlines to prominently include a mandatory field on their online ticketing platforms to enable passengers to request assistance or provide advance notice of special needs before completing ticket purchases.

According to the statement, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, Part 19.12.3.1, expressly mandate 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.

The regulations also require airlines to include a clearly designated field or column on ticket portals through which persons with disabilities, or their assistants, can request special-needs support during booking. In addition, airlines are obligated to proactively inquire whether any passenger within a booking party may require assistance at the airport or during flight operations.

In line with these provisions, the NCAA directed all affected airlines to immediately and conspicuously integrate a mandatory special-needs assistance request option into their ticket reservation systems to ensure passengers can make such requests before finalising ticket purchases.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive, accessible, and safe air travel for all passengers, stressing that compliance with the directive is non-negotiable.