The Authority gave airlines a seven-day deadline from the date of receipt of the directive to comply.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all domestic airlines operating in the country to mandatorily provide special assistance options for persons with special needs on their ticket reservation platforms.
In a release issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, the aviation regulator said the directive is aimed at ensuring full compliance with provisions for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and passengers living with disabilities, in line with existing aviation regulations.
The NCAA recalled that it had earlier issued a directive to domestic airlines through a correspondence dated April 13, 2022 (Reference No. NCAA/CPD/585/1/22), instructing them to conspicuously include a mandatory field, box, or column on their online ticket reservation systems to allow passengers request special assistance or notify airlines of special needs before purchasing tickets.
According to the Authority, the requirement is further backed by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARS) 2023, Part 19.12.3.1, which obligates airlines, travel agents, and tour operators to provide passengers the opportunity to request assistance at the point of booking across all ticket sales channels, including online platforms and telephone reservations.
The NCAA noted that the regulation also mandates airlines to include a designated field on ticket portals through which persons with disabilities or their assistants can request special needs assistance, and to actively inquire whether any passenger within a booking party may require assistance at the airport or during flight operations.
“In view of the foregoing, all affected airlines are hereby directed to conspicuously integrate a mandatory special needs assistance request option into their ticket reservation systems, ensuring that passengers can request such assistance before completing the ticket purchase process,” the NCAA stated.
The Authority gave airlines a seven-day deadline from the date of receipt of the directive to comply.
The NCAA warned that failure to do so may attract regulatory enforcement in line with applicable aviation laws.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive, accessible, and safe air travel for all passengers in Nigeria.