The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to Turkish Airlines, asserting its readiness to impose significant penalties for the alleged mistreatment of Nigerian passengers.
This statement comes in the wake of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) staging a protest on May 21st at the Turkish Airlines office in Lagos, following the dismissal of some of its members by the airline.
According to Michael Achimugu, spokesperson for the NCAA, the situation has left numerous passengers stranded at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, as Turkish Airlines has failed to transport them to Istanbul. Achimugu disclosed that more than 300 passengers have been affected by the dispute between Turkish Airlines and aviation unions, resulting in the cancellation of flights to and from Nigeria from Tuesday through Thursday.
Despite claims by the airline of communicating with passengers via email regarding the ongoing operational challenges, some passengers still arrived at the Lagos airport unaware.
The NCAA is currently mediating the conflict between Turkish Airlines and the aviation unions that picketed the airline’s operations at the Lagos Airport on Tuesday.
Achimugu emphasized that the federal government and its agencies are committed to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian passengers, stating, “The NCAA is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Turkish Airlines’ inability to operate flights out of Lagos Airport due to the picketing of its operations by aviation unions.
We will ensure that the rights of Nigerian passengers are not infringed upon.”
He further noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and relevant agencies to ensure the protection of Nigerian passengers’ rights.
However, Achimugu expressed concern over the behavior of Turkish Airlines’ Country Manager, citing a confrontation with the Director-General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, as unacceptable.
Achimugu concluded by stating that if Turkish Airlines is found to be at fault, the NCAA will invoke the relevant regulations to administer appropriate punishment.
