Aviation

NCAA Introduces Tough Measures To Check Airlines

Published

12 years ago

July 4, 2014

To ensure strict adher
ence to regulations and safety in air operations, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has introduced measures to eliminate the excesses of airlines.
NCCA says airlines on scheduled service are no longer allowed to defer aircraft maintenance dates and are mandated to retain their pilots, engineers and cabin crew on a regular basis.
The authority said in the past the regulatory body used to grant waivers to airlines which may have logistic and other reasons not to go for checks when due, but the new measures have erased such possibilities. With the new rules any aircraft due for maintenance that is not ferried out is grounded by the authorities.
Also a pilot may have his licence withdrawn if he facts to go for stimulator training at the scheduled time, same with medical checkup.
Meanwhile the new stance of NCAA was prompted by the last air crash which was attributed in part to negligence by the concerned authorities, as the aircraft according preliminary report was deemed not air worthy to fly.
NCAA source also said that although the Ministry of Aviation has it as policy that the maximum years an aircraft should be allowed to register and be used for commercial scheduled services is 22 years but to ensure that the aircraft is safe, the regulatory body has to ensure that any aircraft flying in the nation’s airspace is airworthy.
“The 22 years maximum for a commercial aircraft is a policy from the Ministry of Aviation. We have not received anything to the contrary but we have to ensure that the aircraft is properly maintained and whatever we cannot do in Nigeria, we do it outside”.
The source revealed that the new measures are aimed at ensuring that Nigeria does not record any air mishap, especially anyone involving commercial airliner. To ensure strict adherence to regulations, we have decided to put an end to waivers, which means that aircraft is taken out anytime it is due for maintenance.
“These rules were there before but what is important is enforcement. We have decided to enforce the rules to the letter. In the past people sound tough in public statements but do another thing. This time it is different”, the source said.
He admitted that incidents could happen but serious incidents would be rare, adding that there would still be human shortcomings because the system is not perfect.
“Incidents will happen because the system is not perfect. In NCAA welfare is an issue some workers earn better than their bosses and for the senior officers, they see their work as a sacrifice and this could sometimes affect dedication” he stated, adding that it would be better if Nigerian airlines operate modern aircraft which would be good for the passengers and the industry but aged aircraft that is airworthy is as good as new aircraft.

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (right) being received by the Deputy Speaker of Jigawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Audu Dauda at Dutse International Airport last Wednesday. Photo: NAN

Aviation

Togo Govt Scraps It’s Visa Requirements For All African Countries

Published

1 month ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

The Togolese government has scrapped visa requirements for nationals of all African countries, effective May 18, 2026, meaning Nigerians with valid passports can now enter the country without applying for visa in advance.

African travellers can now stay in Togo visa-free for up to 30 days counting from May 18, 2026.

Visitors must still complete an online pre-arrival registration before entering the country.

The announcement came via the official X handle of Togo’s Ministry of Security, signed by the ministry’s head, Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba.

Under the new policy, eligible African travellers can stay in Togo for up to 30 days without a visa, with the government describing the move as a commitment to Pan-African ideals and regional integration.

Government based the decision within a wider Pan-African agenda, stating that it reaffirms Togo’s attachment to “Pan-African ideals, continental solidarity, and community and African commitments, relating to mobility and regional integration.”

Togo also positioned the move as part of an agenda of “openness, modernisation, and attractiveness” aimed at making the country “a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchanges at the heart of Africa.”

There is, however, one step travellers cannot skip. Before arrival, visitors must register on the Togolese government’s official travel portal at voyage.gouv.tg at least 24 hours before reaching the border.

Nigerians can now travel to Togo without applying for a visa in advance.

The registration generates a travel slip that must be presented at entry points across land, air, and sea. The government has been clear that this pre-arrival formality remains mandatory regardless of the visa exemption.

Beyond the registration requirement, standard entry conditions still apply. Security checks, immigration screening, and public health requirements remain in place, and the waiver does not protect travellers who overstay or enter irregularly.

All border agencies have been directed to implement the new policy immediately.

Togo’s decision is part of a broader continental shift. Across Africa, more governments are moving to ease intra-African travel in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s vision of freer movement of people and goods.

Togo is now among the more accessible West African destinations for Nigerian travellers, a short trip that previously required advance visa processing and now requires nothing more than a passport and a quick online registration the day before you fly.

Aviation

Egypt Flight Moves To Prevent Explosion —- Diverts London Flight To Rome

Published

1 month ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

An EasyJet flight from Egypt to London was diverted to Rome after a passenger was found with a power bank in checked luggage.

The airline said the diversion was made as a safety precaution due to regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries.

Passengers landed safely in Rome and were provided accommodation and refreshments after the delay.

The aircraft, operating flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to London Luton, made an unscheduled landing at Rome Fiumicino Airport last Tuesday evening as a precautionary safety measure.

According to the airline, the decision to divert was taken after a passenger informed cabin crew that the portable charger was inside luggage stored in the aircraft’s hold.

Although no fire or malfunction was reported, lithium-ion batteries found in power banks are considered a significant safety risk on aircraft due to the possibility of overheating or catching fire.

Flight tracking data showed the plane cruising at approximately 36,000 feet over the Adriatic Sea before suddenly changing course and heading towards Rome, where it landed safely about 20 minutes later.

Passengers reportedly disembarked without incident, while the flight was rescheduled for the following day.

In a statement, EasyJet apologised for the disruption and said the diversion was carried out in accordance with aviation safety regulations.

“The safety of passengers and crew is our highest priority,” the airline said, adding that hotel accommodation, meals, and refreshments were provided for affected travellers.

“EasyJet’s policies state that power banks are only permitted in cabin baggage and must not be stored in checked luggage.

The airline also prohibits passengers from using power banks to charge devices during flights.

The incident comes as airlines around the world continue tightening restrictions on portable chargers and lithium battery devices amid growing concerns over onboard fire hazards linked to overheating batteries.

Aviation

Delta At 20: Delta Airline Expands Travel Access Ahead 2026 World Cup

Published

1 month ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Delta Air Lines has announced a range of travel solutions aimed at easing the journey for Ghanaian football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States and North America.

The announcement was made during an event in Accra marking the airline’s 20th anniversary in Ghana, as company officials highlighted plans to work closely with local travel agencies to ensure that fans can access tickets and travel packages well in advance for the global tournament.

According to Delta’s Managing Director for International and Specialty Sales, Rob LeBel, the airline is introducing flexible options tailored to different travel needs.

These include individual ticket purchases, discounted group packages for parties of ten or more, and charter services for larger groups.

He explained that the collaboration with travel agencies would also focus on educating customers about the best ways to secure flights during the expected surge in demand.

To expand travel routes, Delta is leveraging its partnership with European carrier KLM, offering passengers alternative connections through Europe when direct routes are fully booked.

The airline believes the upcoming tournament presents a major opportunity to strengthen travel ties between Ghana and North America, particularly as interest among football fans continues to grow.