NCAA Mandates Special-Needs Options on Flight Ticketing Platforms

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed airlines and travel platforms operating in Nigeria to include special-needs assistance options on their digital ticketing systems, aiming to make air travel more accessible and comfortable for passengers with disabilities.

Under the new mandate, all airline booking websites and mobile apps must provide clear, easy-to-use fields where passengers can indicate specific assistance requirements such as wheelchair support, mobility aids, hearing or visual support, and other accommodations at the time of ticket purchase. The directive is intended to ensure that special-needs travellers are identified early in the booking process, allowing airlines and airport ground handling teams to prepare the necessary support in advance.

NCAA’s Consumer Protection Department said the requirement applies to both domestic and international flights departing Nigeria, and will be enforced through regular compliance audits. The authority added that failure to integrate these options could attract penalties under NCAA regulations, as accessibility in aviation is seen as a core element of passenger rights and inclusive service delivery.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola