Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reaffirmed its directive to all domestic airlines operating in the country to fully comply with provisions for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and passengers with disabilities by integrating a mandatory Special Needs/Assistance request feature into their ticket reservation platforms.
The Authority recalled its earlier directive conveyed in a letter with Reference No. NCAA/CPD/585/1/22 dated April 13, 2022, which instructed airlines to clearly display a compulsory field on their online booking portals where passengers can indicate special needs or request assistance before completing ticket purchases.
This requirement, the NCAA noted, is further entrenched in 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.
Specifically, airlines are required to include a designated and mandatory field on ticket reservation systems for passengers with disabilities or their assistants to request special assistance. Operators must also actively inquire, during the booking process, whether any passenger in a travel party will require assistance at the airport or during flight operations.
In line with these provisions, the NCAA has directed all affected airlines to conspicuously integrate the special-needs assistance request option into their reservation systems, ensuring that such requests can be made before ticket purchases are finalized.
Airlines have been given a seven-day deadline from the date of receipt of the directive to comply. The Authority warned that failure to do so may attract regulatory enforcement actions in accordance with applicable aviation laws.
The NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive, accessible, and safe air travel for all passengers.
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