The federal government is set to introduce a new policy that will compel airline operators to provide compensation to passengers whose flights were either cancelled or delayed.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, spoke on flight disruption challenges during a meeting with the airline operators of Nigeria (AON) in Abuja on Monday.

In his speech, Keyamo said the government is planning to expect airline operators to compensate passengers for delayed and cancelled flights that are not caused by weather or other uncontrollable factors as stipulated by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Act.

“On delayed flights, I want to speak for the ordinary Nigerians who complain every day about delayed, cancelled flights. I know you have said all your reasons. You have blamed the government and a few things we do. But I also want to say that it is not all the time that it is government,” Keyamo said.

“At times, you say you were waiting for passengers to finish passing through the screening machine. At times, they have finished passing through screening machines. They are waiting in the lounge for five hours and you cancel your flight.

“So, you see, after some time, we will start implementing the provisions of the NCAA Act. You know, Nigerians don’t know there is compensation for delay. If it is an act of God, you cannot pay. But if it is human fault, the NCAA Act says you will pay. So, for all airline operators, while I have praised and supported you, I will also support Nigerians. You will pay them. After some time, I will put my feet on the ground. Pay them when you delay, cancel their flight.”

He nevertheless pleaded with the airline operators to have reliable communication channels that can pass quick information to passengers about cancellations or delay notices promptly.