Senate summons Keyamo, others over flight delays, cancellations

Senate, yesterday, summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and other stakeholders in the aviation sector following frequent cases of flight cancellation and delays.

The resolution was reached after the adoption of a motion by the Chairman, the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, representing Oyo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

Titled, “Incessant delayed and cancelled flights by airline operators in Nigeria,” the senator, in his motion, drew the attention of his colleagues to the development, which he described as worrisome.

Buhari cited reports in the print, electronic and social media in the country on the incessant delay and cancellation of flights by airline operators in Nigeria.

He said: “The Senate notes that this development is worrisome as air travel is one of the most reliable, dependable and quicker means of transportation.

“Air travels are often undertaken for business and official purposes and to keep to other scheduled appointments, which are usually time-bound.

“Therefore, unwarranted flight delays and cancellations will be counterproductive to the socio-economic growth and development of this country.”

He said the Senate, as part of interventionist measures to check unethical and unwholesome practices of practitioners in the aviation sector, empowered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), through the enactment of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, to, among other things, provide oversight functions.

“The Senate observes that the quests for economic diversification and foreign direct investment, which are parts of the current administration’s policy thrust, will remain an illusion if the country’s aviation industry falls short of acceptable best practices across the globe.

“The Senate is aware that Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations of 2023, makes provisions for consumer protection in the Civil Aviation industry in Nigeria. However, enforcement has been an issue as most Nigerians are not even aware that they are entitled to compensation for time lost due to unnecessary delay, hence the need for the NCAA to activate this aspect of its Regulation so that airline operators will sit up and be alive to their responsibilities,” he added.

The Senate, after a debate on the matter, mandated its committee on aviation to invite the minister of aviation and aerospace development to interface with its members.

Others mandated to appear before the panel were the Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Airline Operators and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is taking steps to prevent disruptions in flight operations during the Yuletide season.

According to the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at NCAA, Michael Achimugu, the organisation is committed to ensuring seamless air travel throughout the season and beyond.

Achimugu disclosed that the NCAA had taken necessary measures to prevent disruptions, including increasing the capacity of fleets for air operations in the country.

The move followed the signing of the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DDCA) by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.

He noted that as part of the effort, 10 new aircraft had been approved to come into the country to boost the capacity of fleets for air operations.