Mobile Courts in Nigerian Airports: A New Era of Handling Passenger Misconduct
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to establish mobile courts at airports nationwide to address the increasing incidents of unruly behavior by passengers.
This initiative aims to promptly try and sanction passengers who engage in disruptive actions, such as physically attacking airline or airport staff and causing disturbances within airport facilities, often in response to flight delays or cancellations.
At a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, attended by representatives from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), several measures were agreed upon to enhance airport operations and passenger management:
- Extension of Operational Hours: Sunset airports, which typically operate between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., will have their operational hours extended to 10 p.m., provided they have the necessary facilities and adequate lighting. This extension aims to reduce flight cancellations and delays associated with limited operating hours.
- Sensitization Campaigns: The NCAA and FAAN will jointly conduct campaigns to educate passengers on the implications of unruly behavior and promote understanding of operational challenges, such as weather-related disruptions.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Aviation Security (AVSEC) officials are to be promptly deployed during passenger agitations to professionally de-escalate aggression. Unauthorized access to tarmacs will be strictly prohibited, with stricter security measures enforced to ensure safety.
- Operational Adjustments by Airlines: Airlines are advised to optimize their flight schedules to manageable sizes and maintain standby aircraft to handle situations involving Aircraft on Ground (AOG). Utilizing weather forecasts from NIMET for better flight scheduling and collaborating on luggage and passenger handling are also encouraged.
These measures are part of a comprehensive effort to improve the overall efficiency of airport operations in Nigeria and ensure the safety and well-being of both passengers and aviation personnel.