Keyamo to fine airlines who cancel and delay flights and pay passengers compensation

NIGERIAN air passengers will now get paid compensation for flight delays and cancellations under new plans being introduced by aviation minster Festus Keyamo that will fine airlines and use the money to compensate their customers.

Speaking during a meeting with airline operators in Abuja yesterday, Mr Keyamo advised them to maintain stable communication channels that would enable passengers to get cancellation notices. He condemned the frequent spate of cancellations and delays that constantly plague the sector.

Mr Keyamo said: “I want to speak for the ordinary Nigerians who complain every day about delayed and cancelled flights. I know you have said all your reasons. You have blamed the government and a few things we do but I also want to say that it is not all the time that it is government.

“At times, you say you were waiting for passengers to finish passing through the screening machine. At times, they have finished passing through screening machines, they are waiting in the lounge for five hours and you cancel your flight.

“So, you see, after some time, we will start implementing the provisions of the NCAA Act. You know, Nigerians don’t know there is compensation for delay. If it is an act of God, you cannot pay but if it is human fault, the NCAA Act says you will pay.

"So, for all airline operators, while I have praised and supported you, I will also support Nigerians. You will pay them. After some time, I will put my feet on the ground. Pay them when you delay or cancel their flights.”