Infractions: FCCPC commends NCAA on suspension of Turkish Airlines’ operations

Web Editor | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operations of Turkish Airlines at Nigerian airports on account of poor treatment of passengers and a very inefficient approach to timely delivery of baggage to travellers.

Mr. Babatunde Irukera, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), disclosed this Monday, December 16, 2019.

Mr. Irukera, welcoming the strong and decisive action taken by NCAA against Turkish Airlines, considering these incessant and unabating complaints about the airline’s treatment of passengers, added that “a regrettable lack of sufficient attention by the airline is unfortunate.”

Recall that a fundamental plank and mutual commitment under Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) is respect for local laws and maintaining appropriate standards, not just as a matter of aircraft airworthiness and safe operations, but also how passengers are treated.

According to the FCCPC Chief Executive, “sadly, Turkish Airlines has remained insensitive and unyielding to repeated regulatory intervention and oversight to modify its behaviour.

“The vexatious multiple issues of delays, cancellations and baggage handling continue to be the highlights of passenger complaints, whether international or domestic travel.

“These undermine confidence, and the full potential of the aviation sector,” he stated.

Irukera said the response by NCAA “is certain to address this particular airline’s conduct, but even more importantly, send a clear message to other airlines, including domestic, that regulators are not unwilling to utilise the regulatory tools at their disposal to promote and ensure fair treatment of consumers.”

He assures of his Commission’s continued partnership with the aviation regulator, saying, “the FCCPC will continue our record of strong collaboration with the NCAA, and provide useful feedback to support an enduring approach to regulatory action, where necessary, to improve passenger experience.

“FCCPC looks forward to improved services promised by Turkish Airlines, including changing the current equipment from a B737-800 to an A330 and alternately, a B737-900.

“We expect that, in addition to more appropriate and befitting equipment, Turkish Airlines will implement a more sensitive and responsive approach to passengers,” he said.