Fg Warns Airlines Against Passenger Exploitation During Easter

SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, (THEWILL) – The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has warned airlines operating in the country against taking advantage of the heavy traffic during the Easter period to exploit travelers through arbitrary increase in fares.

A statement released by James Odaudu, Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, revealed that the warning was necessary in view of some of the airlines' penchant for unwarranted inflation of air fares during festive seasons, thereby causing untold hardship for air travelers.

“Rather than cause problems for the travelling public, the airlines should devise better means of improving their services in terms of customer comfort, safe and timely flights, more effective information dissemination and network expansion,” the Minister declared.

He also assured Nigerians of the preparedness of all aviation Agencies to ensure safety and security of passengers during the period and beyond. According to him, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police has deployed sniffer dogs at the airports to complement the regular aviation security set-up.

Odaudu added that the Minister has also directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to closely monitor the activities of the airlines to ensure strict compliance with all operational rules and guidelines in order to protect travelers against operational misconducts.

“He has also congratulated the Christians on the successful completion of the Lent and charges them to use the period to pray for the Buhari Administration as it strives to effect the much desired changes that would ensure better living standards for Nigerians,” he revealed.

Story by David Oputah