2027 Hajj: NCAA Demands Better Passenger Protection from Saudi Airline
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged Saudi Arabian Airlines to strengthen passenger protection and improve complaint resolution ahead of the 2027 Hajj airlift, with particular emphasis on delayed baggage, compensation and assistance during flight disruptions.
The regulator made the call during a meeting with the airline’s delegation at its headquarters in Abuja, as both parties discussed operational coordination and preparations for next year’s pilgrimage.
The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff, reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to providing regulatory guidance and support to airlines operating in Nigeria.
Addressing consumer concerns, the General Manager of Planning and Enforcement in the Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Chichi Daniels, stressed the need for effective communication to ensure passengers receive timely information and appropriate assistance when travel disruptions occur.
She urged Saudi Arabian Airlines to designate a customer-service manager as a dedicated contact for resolving passenger complaints and improving communication with the regulator.
2027 Hajj: NCAA Demands Better Passenger Protection from Saudi Airline
Daniels said the arrangement should facilitate more efficient handling of consumer concerns in line with Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
The NCAA also encouraged the airline to improve information sharing and close existing communication gaps to enhance service delivery.
Earlier, the Director of Air Transport Regulation, Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, highlighted the benefits of the authority’s electronic portal and urged the airline to register on the platform without further delay.
The Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Alhaji Ahmad Abba, also advised the airline to begin preparations for the 2027 Hajj operations, noting that airport requirements and preparations differ across Kano, Abuja and Lagos.
Responding, the airline’s Regional Manager, Mr. Abdallah Abuleid, welcomed the NCAA’s feedback and acknowledged the importance of stronger communication and information sharing.
Both parties pledged continued cooperation to improve operational efficiency and deliver safer, more reliable and passenger-friendly air transport services between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
