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Agents petition NCAA as foreign airlines sell tickets in dollars

Background

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents (NANTA) has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Nigerian travelers. The organization has been pushing for the implementation of a single currency for air ticket sales in Nigeria. This move aims to eliminate the confusion and inconvenience caused by the practice of selling air tickets in foreign currencies. The current practice of selling air tickets in foreign currencies has led to: + Confusion among travelers about the actual cost of their tickets + Inconvenience in making payments + Potential for overcharging and undercharging + Difficulty in tracking and managing ticket sales

The Bilateral Air Service Agreement

The Bilateral Air Service Agreement is a treaty between two countries that outlines the terms and conditions of air services between them. In the case of Nigeria, the country is a party to this agreement, which aims to promote cooperation and understanding between the two countries. Key provisions of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement include: + The right of each country to operate scheduled and non-scheduled air services + The right of each country to designate its own airlines and airports + The right of each country to regulate its own air traffic control and safety standards

The Petition to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents has petitioned the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) over the sales of air tickets in foreign currencies.

The Problem of Dollarization in Air Travel

The issue of dollarization in air travel has been a contentious topic in Nigeria, with various stakeholders expressing their concerns. The problem is not just about the cost of flights, but also about the lack of transparency and accountability in the airline industry.

The Impact on Consumers

  • Higher ticket prices
  • Limited options for budget-conscious travelers
  • Lack of transparency in pricing and fees
  • Difficulty in tracking expenses

    • The PUNCH understands that aside from the United States airlines, other airlines are required to sell tickets in naira for flights emanating from the country. However, this requirement does not apply to international airlines, which can sell tickets in dollars. This has led to a situation where consumers are forced to pay in dollars for flights to and from Nigeria, even if they are flying within the country.

    The Consequences of Dollarization

    The consequences of dollarization in air travel are far-reaching and have a significant impact on the economy and consumers. Some of the consequences include:

  • Inflation: The use of dollars for flights can lead to inflation, as the cost of flights increases and the value of the naira decreases.

    NCAA Response

    The NCAA, in response to Folami’s allegations, stated that the issue would be addressed by the appropriate department. This response was seen as a non-committal and somewhat vague statement, leaving many to wonder what specific actions the NCAA would take to address the matter.

    Industry Stakeholder Compliance

    Industry stakeholders were also enjoined to comply with Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. This regulation requires airlines to maintain accurate records of their operations, including flight schedules, crew rotations, and aircraft maintenance.

    The regulations state that passengers are entitled to compensation for the delay or cancellation of their flight, depending on the length of the delay or cancellation. The compensation is based on the type of ticket purchased by the passenger.

    Understanding the NCAA Regulations

    The NCAA regulations provide a clear framework for passengers to understand their rights and entitlements when their flight is delayed or canceled. The regulations are designed to ensure that passengers receive fair compensation for the inconvenience caused by flight disruptions.

    Types of Compensation

  • Short-haul flights: Passengers on short-haul flights are entitled to a minimum of €250 for a delay of up to 2 hours, and €400 for a delay of more than 2 hours. Medium-haul flights: Passengers on medium-haul flights are entitled to a minimum of €400 for a delay of up to 2 hours, and €600 for a delay of more than 2 hours. Long-haul flights: Passengers on long-haul flights are entitled to a minimum of €600 for a delay of up to 2 hours, and €800 for a delay of more than 2 hours. ## The Compensation Process**

    • The Compensation Process

    The compensation process is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow.

    The NCARs are the compensation for the passengers who were affected by the flight disruptions caused by the airline’s failure to provide adequate weather information to the pilots.

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