The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern rebuke to two airlines—Max Air and Air Côte d’Ivoire—over what it describes as “unacceptable patterns of passenger mistreatment and regulatory non-compliance.”
In a statement delivered by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the NCAA named Max Air as the most unresponsive domestic airline in Nigeria regarding passenger complaints and failure to comply with consumer protection rulings. “According to NCAA data, Max Air has consistently failed to address grievances and has even been accused of intimidating travel agencies that report issues,” Achimugu stated.
On the international front, the NCAA expressed deep concern over Air Côte d’Ivoire’s alleged manipulation of flight schedules. The Ivorian carrier has been accused of canceling flights on days with low passenger turnout and merging bookings across multiple days to maximize load, a practice the NCAA says violates aviation consumer rights.
Further compounding the issue, passengers arriving from Abidjan recently reported that Air Côte d’Ivoire failed to deliver their luggage for over three days, with no prior notice or compensation. The NCAA emphasized that such conduct is not only unethical but also breaches international aviation standards.
“Compliance with consumer protection regulations is not optional—it is mandatory,” Achimugu declared. “We are committed to holding all operators accountable, domestic or foreign.”
The NCAA has pledged swift action, including potential sanctions, to ensure that both airlines rectify their practices. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding passenger rights and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector.