Jet A1 Scarcity: NCAA Calls For Passengers’ Restraint

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called on all passengers who are experiencing the attendant flight delays and cancellations arising from the scarcity of Aviation fuel to exercise restraint.

The NCAA gave the advice in a statement issued by its General Manager, Public Relations, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

The statement said the call became necessary due to reports of passengers’ rage and violence from some of the nation’s airports in the last few days.

It said that in some cases, irate passengers had resorted to wanton destruction of certain facilities at the airports.

“The regulatory authority agrees absolutely with the passengers that the conditions of carriage on their tickets must be upheld by the operating airlines.”

“In other words, it is our statutory responsibility to ensure that passengers derive value for their money.”

“In addition, the NCAA is well primed to ensure that all aggrieved passengers’ complaints are professionally handled by our Consumer Protection Officers.”

“These include flight cancellations, delays, missing baggage and denied boarding,’’ the statement said.

It noted that the NCAA was well aware of the prevailing scarcity of Jet A1, which had inevitably led to flight cancellations and delays by the airlines.

According to the statement, the agency has also taken cognisance of concerted efforts being made by the airlines to ensure that all passengers are ferried without any hitches.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is already engaging all the stakeholders involved with the procurement and distribution of aviation fuel, to ensure availability in earnest.”

“All passengers are, therefore, enjoined to exercise caution, while expressing their grievances as the airlines are grappling with the challenges thrown up by the non- availability of Jet A1,’’ the statement said.

It also enjoined airline operators to ensure that they adhere strictly to the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) in their operations.

The statement added that passengers must be informed of any development concerning their flights, well ahead of time.

(NAN)