…as Passengers on unlicensed flights risk no insurance coverage in case of accidents.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is urging people to be cautious when chartering private jets, advising them to verify the operator’s license and ensure they are duly permitted for commercial flights.
This warning comes after recent incidents at Ibadan airport involving operators violating their permits and engaging in illegal commercial activity.
Acting Director General, NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, emphasized that insurance coverage for charter flights only applies to operators with the proper license, known as a Permit of Non-commercial Flight (PNCF) and without it, passengers are taking a significant risk in the event of an accident or incident.
“Liability arising from death and bodily injury to passengers or loss of delay or baggage and cargo in the course of courage as governed by the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 2022”.
The NCAA clarified that PNCF holders can only use their aircraft for private, non-commercial purposes as carrying passengers, cargo, or mail for hire is strictly prohibited.
“NCAA and wishes to reiterate categorically that all aircraft operated under the PNCF must be in accordance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 18, 4, 3, 1”.
He adds, “I wish to firmly reiterate that holders of PNCF are not permitted to use their aircraft for courage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward”.
To ensure passenger safety and security, the NCAA DG says, it is intensifying its oversight and enforcement efforts and violators will face immediate consequences, including suspension, withdrawal, or even revocation of their PNCF.
“This is a stern warning to all PNCF holders that it is no longer business as usual for violators of these conditions, of their permits, NCAA solicits the cooperation and understanding of all”.
To help the public make informed choices, the NCAA has published a list of licensed and eligible charter operators on its website: www.ncaa.gov.ng.
“This is a serious matter,” Captain Najomo warned. “We will not tolerate operators who put passengers at risk by exceeding their permitted activities.”
Before booking a private jet, the NCAA strongly encourages everyone to verify the operator’s license and ensure they are authorized for commercial charter flights.
