Passenger pressure: Group advises airlines to adhere to operational guidelines

The Vanguard for the Safety of Air Travellers (VAFAT), a non-governmental organization in the Nigerian aviation industry, encouraged airline operators on Tuesday to follow operating rules to ensure passenger safety.

This guidance was stated in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Magnus Mezie-Obi, National Secretary, and Ms Zainab Abdulmumuni, National Publicity Secretary, respectively.

The group agreed that safety was the primary concern of any air traveler.

VAFAT urged airline operators to keep passenger safety as their top priority at all times.

It urged passengers to refrain from putting undue pressure and physical abuse on pilots and their crew in order to ensure that the latter group flies with sound minds, which is required for passenger safety.

“It has come to VATAT’s attention that some passengers have developed the habit of putting undue pressure on pilots and crew members to fly, even when they have been duly informed that the weather is bad and that the planes have not been cleared to take off by authorities.”

“We regard this as the most heinous act of irresponsibility, wickedness, and disregard for human lives.”

“The main concern of any traveller anywhere in the world is safety.” The most critical moment for air travelers is the time to take off and time to land.

“Air travel, while fast and pleasurable, is the most delicate mode of transportation for man, as any slight infraction can lead to disaster with unimaginable losses,” the group stated.

VAFAT commended the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, and the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the country’s aviation industry and airspace’s current good health.

“We wish to applaud the Minister of Aviation for standing shoulder to shoulder with other International Civil Aviation Regulatory Authorities, which has resulted in fair accords for Nigerian airline operators in the global market.”

“We also applaud the NCAA for insisting that airlines follow strict guidelines, particularly in terms of plane age, health, and condition, as well as pilot experience.”