NCAA Confirms Passenger Welfare Measures
In a statement shared on X, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the authority has been monitoring the disruption closely to ensure the airline complies with passenger rights under the NCAA Regulations 2023.
“Passengers were eventually given hotel accommodation and a meal,” he noted, adding that Air Tanzania has assured the passengers they will be flown out today—despite typically not operating flights to Nigeria on weekends.
“We will keep monitoring the situation until the passengers arrive safely,” Achimugu stated.
Public Reaction Praises Swift Intervention
The NCAA’s quick response earned commendation from members of the public.
One X user, Barkindo, wrote:
“Your swift intervention, as always, reflects the NCAA’s renewed commitment to timely & effective consumer protection. Thank you for responding promptly & ensuring passengers receive the care they’re entitled to. History will be kind to you for the standard you are setting today.”
Achimugu credited the coordinated effort to directives from higher authorities. He explained that the mandate on consumer protection flows from the President to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and then to the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo.
“The standard was set by our bosses… We are but vessels,” he said.
Regulatory Reminder to Air Tanzania
Earlier, Achimugu confirmed the incident involving the stranded passengers and reminded the airline of its obligations under Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which stipulates that disrupted passengers are entitled to hotel accommodation, meals and regular updates on their flight status.
Some travellers had expressed urgency, including one who was scheduled for a visa interview on Monday, prompting the NCAA to underscore the need for timely operational decisions from the airline.
Refunds or Rebooking Required if Flights Cannot Operate
The NCAA further advised that if Air Tanzania is unable to operate flights over the weekend, it must “offer refunds or rebook passengers on other carriers” to minimise hardship for affected travellers.
With assurances now in place and monitoring ongoing, the authority says its priority remains ensuring that all stranded passengers return to Nigeria safely and with minimal further inconvenience.