The Right to Timely Flights and Other Rights in The Aviention Industry in Nigeria

<p dir="ltr">The need to protect the rights of consumers of aviation services in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized given the grave consequences to consumers in breach cases. The flagrant abuses of these rights and the frustration and seeming helplessness of consumers despite protective laws and regulations engendered this paper. This paper examined the rights of consumers in this sector and expounded the legal regimes for these rights and the extent to which these rights have been made to protect the consumers of air services. It adopted a doctrinal method of research and thus relied on primary and secondary materials. The article asserted that International and National laws entitle air passengers to the right to timely flights, timely feedback when scheduled flights are delayed or canceled, and other rights concerning their comfort and security. The paper noted that in most cases, passengers are left without any information or given minimal information regarding their flight status. The paper found that this blatant, carefree attitude of aviation service providers is encouraged by the languorous attitude of their passengers and is largely fueled by ignorance and impuissance. This article therefore recommended the need for advocacy and sensitization of the general public on their rights as consumers of aviation services. It also advocated that sanctions be meted out to airline operators for failure to notify passengers of flight delays or cancellations. The need to provide passengers with overnight kits and accommodation when flights are canceled at night was also emphasized.</p>