By Sade Williams
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has assured passengers who are stranded due to the grounding of the airline’s fleet, of protection of their rights.
A statement signed by Achimugu Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs the the Authority said its consumer protection officers are already monitoring passengers ‘ handling at the various aport terminals.
The Authority also asked passengers to report any issue at it’s offices or send emails to it for necessary assistance.
“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority is well-informed of the grounding of Arik Air aircraft over legal issues and the attendant impact on its flights and intending passengers. While the NCAA monitors the situation and engages Arik Air on its plans for affected passengers, our Consumer Protection Officers are available at the terminals to monitor passenger handling and to offer information.
“Air travelers may also walk into the NCAA Consumer Protection offices, identify and speak with our officers for assistance or send email to cpd@ncaa.gov.ng. NCAA empathizes with all affected passengers and wishes to assure of the protection of their rights as critical stakeholders.”, it said.
Arik Air fleet was grounded on Tuesday over a debt of $2.5million owed Atlas Petroleum.
The grounding was effected by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) based on a Supreme court order after the airline’s appeal on the matter was dismissed.
The situation has however, left many Arik Air passengers across the nation’s airports, stranded.
