The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified passenger compensation rights for lost or delayed luggage, emphasizing a stricter enforcement of penalties for non-compliance by airlines.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection at NCAA, explained during a roadshow at Lagos Airport that international passengers are entitled to $170 immediately if their luggage goes missing. Airlines then have 21 days to locate the luggage; otherwise, they face additional penalties, including paying for damages claimed by passengers.
For domestic flights, passengers are entitled to ₦10,000 in compensation if their luggage is delayed, with a seven-day window for the airline to find it before facing penalties. Achimugu highlighted that international passengers can claim up to $1,288 for damages under Special Drawing Rights, while domestic claims can reach up to $1,000.
The NCAA’s consumer awareness campaign, which began at the General Aviation Terminal, aims to educate travelers about their rights, ensuring they are better informed and encouraging accountability from airlines. This initiative will expand to other airports, including Abuja and Port Harcourt, during the peak festive travel season.
Achimugu encouraged passengers to utilize NCAA’s Consumer Protection Officers, who are stationed at 23 terminals nationwide, for assistance. He also announced the launch of a new NCAA website for lodging complaints, which has already seen an increase in awareness and grievances filed.
In the first half of 2024, airlines reported 19,274 cases of delayed or missing luggage. Among international carriers, Air France, KLM, and Egypt Air topped the list for such incidents. The NCAA has pledged to enforce these regulations to improve passenger experiences and foster a more accountable aviation industry.
