The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has directed Air Tanzania to immediately fulfil its statutory obligations to passengers stranded in Dar es Salaam and Lagos due to the airline’s inability to operate scheduled flights.
In a statement released on Saturday through his verified X account, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, reminded the carrier that travellers affected by prolonged delays are entitled to hotel accommodation, meals, and regular updates as stipulated under Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.
Achimugu disclosed that several Nigerian passengers stuck in Dar es Salaam had raised concerns about their situation, including a traveller who must attend a visa interview on Monday.
He stressed that the airline must prioritise passenger welfare during disruptions.
According to him, “Passengers experiencing long delays must be provided with the courtesies they are entitled to. We have explained to them that safety comes first, but they also deserve proper care.”
Achimugu further advised Air Tanzania to arrange refunds or rebook affected travellers on other airlines if operations cannot resume over the weekend.
“While the NCAA remains available to support you in any way possible, we expect full compliance with the regulations,” he added.
The aviation regulator also urged the airline to extend the same level of care to outbound passengers stranded in Lagos, noting that it has maintained communication with travellers in both Nigeria and Tanzania.
The NCAA said it will continue to monitor the situation to ensure passengers are not abandoned and that the airline meets its obligations under Nigerian aviation law.
