The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has directed all domestic airlines to fully comply with provisions for Persons with Reduced Mobility, PRM, and passengers with disabilities by integrating a mandatory special needs or assistance request option into their ticket reservation systems.
The directive was made in a statement issued on Friday by the NCAA’s spokesperson, Michael Achimugu.
According to the Authority, the requirement is in line with its earlier correspondence dated April 13, 2022, which instructed airlines to clearly provide a mandatory field on their online booking platforms allowing passengers to request assistance or notify airlines of special needs before purchasing tickets.
The NCAA noted that the directive is further backed by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARS) 2023, Part 19.12.3.1.
The regulation mandates airlines, travel agents, and tour operators to provide passengers with the opportunity to request assistance at the point of booking across all sales channels, including online and telephone reservations.
It also requires ticket portals to include a designated field through which persons with disabilities or their assistants can request special assistance and obliges airlines to actively inquire whether any passenger in a booking party may require support at the airport or during flight operations.
The NCAA warned that Airlines have been given seven days from the date of receipt of the directive to comply with the Authority, noting that failure to do so may attract regulatory sanctions in line with applicable aviation laws.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive, accessible, and safe air travel for all passengers.
“In view of the foregoing, the NCAA has directed all affected airlines to conspicuously integrate a mandatory special needs assistance request option into their ticket reservation systems, ensuring that passengers are able to request such assistance before completing the ticket purchase process,” the statement reads.
Nigerian govt orders airlines to include mandatory special assistance option on ticket platforms
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