Rights violation: Reps to probe airline operators over ‘sudden delays, flight cancellations’

The house of representatives has resolved to investigate allegations over the violation of passengers’ rights by airline operators in the country.

The resolution was passed during plenary session on Tuesday following the adoption of a motion passed by Karu Elisha and Taiwo Oluga, lawmakers from Gombe and Osun, respectively.

Leading the debate on the motion, Elisha, the lead sponsor, said the “continuous complaints and outcry by Nigerians and other air passengers” have become alarming because of the “consistent violation of passenger rights to service delivery” by airline service providers.

“Nigerians and other consumers have the right to be protected by the consumer protection department under the directorate of air transport of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) launched on March 2001, to ensure that aviation customers get the best services in the transportation,” he said.

The lawmaker said the department was established to serve as the “eye” of the industry by protecting consumers and ensuring the provision of quality services in the aviation sector.

He said consumers bear the burden of inadequate services despite airfare charges and travel disruptions.

“Airlines authority have a duty to provide airline customer assistance and services to ensure that air passengers get a conducive environment, promote and protect consumer interest and healthy competition among airline service providers,” he said.

“The authority also has an unreserved duty of care to Nigerians and other customers, the responsibility to penalise and restrict any service provider who violates established protocols.

“The inconsistency of air travel schedules due to sudden delay, cancellations and other airlift service provisions, consumers are shortchanged in their businesses, health conditions and social and economic ventures without due compensation.”

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Idris Wase, the presiding officer.

The lawmakers subsequently mandated the committee on human rights to carry out the investigation.