The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a firm reminder to all domestic airlines operating in the country, restating its commitment to inclusive air travel by insisting on full compliance with accessibility provisions for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and passengers with disabilities.
In a directive that signals renewed regulatory vigilance, the aviation regulator has ordered all domestic carriers to immediately integrate a mandatory special needs or assistance request feature into their ticket reservation systems. The move is aimed at ensuring that passengers who require support can easily indicate their needs at the point of booking, long before arriving at the airport.
According to the NCAA, the directive is not new. The authority recalled an earlier correspondence dated 13 April 2022 (Reference No. NCAA/CPD/585/1/22), which had already instructed airlines to conspicuously place a designated field, box, or column on their online booking platforms. This feature, the regulator stressed, must allow passengers to request assistance or give advance notice of any special needs before completing their ticket purchase.
However, persistent non-compliance by some airlines has prompted the regulator to reinforce the order, this time with the backing of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, particularly Part 19.12.3.1, which provides a clear legal framework for accessibility obligations in air travel.
What the Regulations Require
Under the 2023 Civil Aviation Regulations, airlines, travel agents, and tour operators are expressly mandated to:
- Provide travelers the opportunity to request assistance at the point of booking across all ticket sales channels, including online platforms and telephone reservations;
- Mandatorily include on ticket portals a dedicated field or column through which persons with disabilities, or their assistants, can request special needs assistance during ticket booking or purchase; and
- Proactively inquire whether any passenger within a booking party may require assistance at the airport and/or during flight operations.
The NCAA emphasized that these provisions are not optional, but compulsory requirements designed to eliminate barriers and improve the travel experience of passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility.
Seven-Day Deadline, Enforcement Looms
In view of the renewed directive, the authority has given all affected domestic airlines a strict seven-day deadline to comply, counting from the date of receipt of the notice. Airlines that fail to integrate the mandatory special needs assistance request feature within this period may face regulatory enforcement actions, in line with existing aviation laws and regulations.
Industry observers see the directive as a significant step towards addressing long-standing complaints by passengers with disabilities, many of whom have faced avoidable challenges at airports due to airlines’ failure to capture their needs in advance.
NCAA Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Aviation
The NCAA reaffirmed its dedication to building an aviation sector that is inclusive, accessible, and safe for all passengers, regardless of physical ability. By enforcing early disclosure and planning for special assistance, the authority says it expects smoother airport processes, better coordination by airlines, and a more dignified travel experience for affected passengers.
The directive was signed by Michael Achimugu, on behalf of the Director General of Civil Aviation.
As Nigeria continues to modernize its aviation industry, the NCAA’s latest move sends a clear message: accessibility is not a courtesy—it is a right, and airlines must align their operations with both national regulations and global best practices in disability inclusion.
