Delayed luggages: Nigeria CAA Fines Arik Air

…To Pay NCAA N6,000,000 and $150 to Each Passenger

For flouting stipulated Civil Aviation Regulations on handling of passengers’ luggages , Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has penalised Arik Air.

According to NCAA, “Arik Air Limited has been sanctioned by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for contravening the provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).

Earlier, the Authority was inundated with complaints of delay and inability to ferry the passengers’ checked – in luggage on the Airline’s services from London –Lagos from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th December, 2016.”

“Upon receipt of the complaints, NCAA invited the airline to a meeting on the 6th of December, 2016, which was duly attended by the airlines’ representative.

However, Arik embarked on continuous flouting of the Nig.CARs and the Authority’s directives to freight all backlog of short – landed baggage to Lagos within 48 hours.” -Sam Adurogboye, spokesperson of NCAA explained. “Similarly, the carrier declined to offer care and compensation to the affected passengers which were unanimously agreed for One Hundred and fifty United States dollars.

In addition, the airline did not inform the passengers at the soonest practicable time that their checked – in baggage would be off – loaded as required by Part 19.7.2 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs),2015.”

In a Letter of Sanction with reference no. NCAA/DG/CSLA/RM/1-06/16/439 dated 22nd December, 2016; the Authority has determined that Arik Air Limited is in violation of Part 19.7.2 and 19.17.2.1 (ii) of the Nig.CARs, 2015.

Stating out the penalty to be paid by Arik Air, NCAA said, “Arik Air Limited to pay to the Authority within Seven (7) days of receipt of this letter, the sum of #6,000,000.00 (Six Million naira only) being civil penalty for violation of Part.19.7.2 of the Nig.CARs, 2015.”

“Arik Air is directed to pay each affected passenger, within 30 days of the date of this letter, the sum of One Hundred and Fifty  US dollars ($150) as compensation for inconveniences suffered as a result of delayed arrival of their luggage on your service as required by Part.19.17.2.1 (ii) of the Nig.CARs,2015.”

NCAA expects strict compliance with the provisions of Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) by the airline in future.

“This is to assure all stakeholders that the Authority exist to protect their rights at all times and as such any violation of the Regulation in that regard will be viewed seriously.”