Nigerian Minister of Aviation Announces Mandatory Airline Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations Starting January 2024

In a recent statement, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, announced that starting from January 2024, regulators will enforce airline compensation for passengers in cases of flight delays or cancellations, Aso Naija Reports.

Keyamo made this announcement while presenting the budget for the Ministry of Aviation for the fiscal year 2024 before the National Assembly joint committee on aviation.

During his appearance, Keyamo emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the aviation industry. He urged regulators to publish a weekly list of airlines that fail to adhere to flight schedules, including details of cancelled and delayed flights, along with information on the duration of delays and whether compensation was provided to affected passengers. These reports will serve as a means for regulators to monitor the actions taken by airlines in such situations.

Keyamo further outlined the measures that would be implemented to ensure compensation for affected passengers. In cases where an airline fails to provide compensation, passengers will be entitled to a rebate when purchasing their next ticket. Specifically, Keyamo proposed a rebate of 50 or 40 percent for affected passengers, which would serve as a form of compensation for the inconvenience caused by flight delays or cancellations.

These new regulations aim to enhance the rights and protection of air travelers in Nigeria, ensuring that airlines are held accountable for their actions and that passengers receive appropriate compensation for disruptions to their travel plans.