KEY POINTS

• NCAA criticizes Delta Air Lines for mistreatment of Nigerian passenger.
• Delta failed to provide accommodation during a nearly seven-hour wait.
• NCAA vows action on the incident, citing Part 19 of regulations.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has condemned Delta Air Lines for allegedly delaying a Nigerian passenger and providing poor treatment, leaving the passenger stranded and uncomfortable at the airport.

The incident occurred at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where the passenger missed a connecting flight to Atlanta due to the airline’s delays.

The passenger was rescheduled for another flight, but was left with a nearly seven-hour wait without hotel accommodation or lounge access, despite the long delay.

In a post on X on Sunday, Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs for NCAA, criticized the airline’s treatment, noting that the passenger was forced to sit in an uncomfortable chair for hours.

“This passenger was left sitting in an uncomfortable chair all night, and their rescheduled flight still suffered a delay,” Achimugu wrote.

He further highlighted the troubling comments from Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was recorded instructing firefighters to move engines in a similar incident.

NCAA criticizes Delta Air Lines and demands better treatment for passengers

Achimugu expressed frustration over the ill-treatment, stating that Nigerian passengers, regardless of whether they know their rights, must be treated with dignity.

According to Punch, he added that the NCAA would take action under Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 to address such issues.

“This ill-treatment of Nigerian passengers, similar to the Gloria Omisore incident, is not acceptable,” Achimugu said.

He stressed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority would react firmly to the incident, emphasizing that passengers should be treated with care.

When contacted for a response, Delta’s Media Relations Officer in Nigeria, Adeola Olanrewaju, said she would request details of the incident and provide a response accordingly.

NCAA continues to fight for passenger rights

This incident follows previous complaints from passengers about poor treatment by airlines operating in Nigeria.

The NCAA’s reaction underscores its commitment to protecting passengers’ rights and ensuring that Nigerian travelers are treated fairly, regardless of the airline they are flying with.