NCAA Directs Air Tanzania to Provide Welfare and Refunds for Stranded Passengers

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed Air Tanzania to provide welfare assistance and refund packages for passengers stranded in Dar es Salaam and Lagos following the airline’s inability to operate scheduled flights.

The directive comes after Nigerian passengers, including one scheduled for a visa interview on Monday, reported being stranded in Dar es Salaam.

In a statement posted on Saturday via his verified X account, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, emphasized that affected passengers are entitled to hotel accommodation, meals, and regular updates under Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.

He advised the airline to either provide refunds or rebook passengers on alternative carriers if it cannot operate flights over the weekend.

“While the NCAA is available to support you in any way possible, it would be appreciated if you complied with the regulations. We have explained the ramifications of a technical fault to your passengers, and they understand that safety comes first. Kindly treat them with the courtesies they are entitled to,” Achimugu said.

The NCAA further urged Air Tanzania to extend similar care to passengers stranded in Lagos for outbound services and confirmed that it is monitoring travellers in both locations.

In a follow-up update, Achimugu noted that the stranded passengers had been provided with hotel accommodation and meals, and the airline assured that they would be flown to their destinations, despite its usual schedule not including weekend operations to Nigeria.

“We will keep monitoring the situation until the passengers arrive safely,” he added.