Oil and Gas expert and founder/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIMAX Emergency Support Services, Engr. Terver Atsar, believes that the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development must urgently review the operations of airlines in Nigeria and the conduct of staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Engr. Atsar said this while expressing his concern about the growing incidents of airline staff—passenger confrontations, such as those recently witnessed on domestic flights in the country. He noted that the goal of the review should be “to identify and address the root causes of the growing wave of passenger agitation at airports and aboard aircraft.”
According to Engr. Atsar, certain behaviours and operational practices by ground staff and crew members at the airports not only cause discomfort, inconvenience, and disruption but, in some cases, may amount to violations of passengers’ human rights.
He cited examples of rude or discourteous conduct by check-in personnel; flight delays without adequate communication or passenger care; cancellations without proper explanation or due process; arbitrary and inconsistent enforcement of airport rules; excessive fares and unclear charges; and mishandling or loss of passengers’ luggage.
Sharing his experience on domestic flights, Engr. Atsar said he has “encountered gum-chewing, nonchalant, unprofessional check-in staff and often wonders what kind of training—if any—they receive.”
He went further to state how “at Port Harcourt Airport,” he once stood behind a “big man” who was allowed to pass through the scanner with his shoes on, yet the same security officer insisted that he remove his shoes before proceeding.
Engr. Atsar concluded, “Nigeria’s air travel sector must guarantee dignity, fairness, and professionalism. Anything less is unacceptable.
“The Ministry, FAAN, and NCAA must act decisively to restore public confidence and protect passenger rights and safety.”
