Aviation ministry directs all airlines who delay passengers for more than two hours to offer refunds

NIGERIA'S federal government has asked all airline operators in the country to refund the full cost of travel tickets to passengers who suffer than a two-hour delay to their flights at any airport across the country.

Following the easing of the coronavirus lockdown, Nigeria's aviation industry has struggled to get back to normal. For starters, the federal government has introduced an evening curfew which prevents passengers from leaving airports at night, which in turn affects flights late on in the day.

Responding to the hardship this has caused among passengers, aviation minister Hadi Sirika, has directed that in cases of domestic flight delays beyond one hour, airlines should provide refreshment and one telephone call, text message or an e-mail to its passengers explaining the situation. He added that the ministry has started sanctioning erring airlines, pointing out that the same rules apply for international flights.

Mr Hadi said: "They should send you an SMS, email or call you to say I am sorry and tell that they are delaying for one hour. For two hours delay and beyond passengers shall be reimbursed the full volume of their tickets by the airline.

“Also, airlines that delay passengers flight between 10 pm and 4 am, shall provide hotel accommodation, refreshment, meal, two free calls, SMS, email and transport to-and-fro airport.”