Following the suspension of the operations of Turkish Airlines in Nigerian irports by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has hailed the decision of the regulatory body, saying that the measure is certain to address the misconduct of Turkish Airlines.
It could be recalled that the NCAA on December 13, suspended the operations of Turkish Airlines on account of poor treatment of passengers and very inefficient approach to timely delivery of baggage to travelers.
A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Babatunde Irukera, said: ‘The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) welcomes the strong and decisive action taken by NCAA against Turkish Airlines considering these incessant complaints about the airline’s treatment of passengers, and a regrettable lack of sufficient attention by the airline to mitigate these mistreatment and reverse the trend.’
‘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. Sadly, Turkish Airlines has remained insensitive and unyielding to repeated regulatory intervention and oversight to modify its behavior.’
‘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.
‘This 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.
‘The FCCPC will continue our record of strong collaboration with the NCAA, and continue to provide useful feedback to support an enduring approach to regulatory action, where necessary, to improve passenger experience.
The FCCPC commended the timely response of Turkish Airlines and constructive discussions between Turkish Airlines and NCAA.
The Commission said it looks forward to the 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,’ the Commission added.
