NCAA Warns Airlines Over Non – Payment Of Salaries

By Chuks Okoh
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to Airline Operators who are defaulting in the payment of their staff salaries. This warning was issued after meeting with all the Airlines culpable in this practice.
At the meeting, the management expressed serious concern over the non – payment of salaries by the Airlines. It viewed the development as detrimental to the continuous growth the industry has witnessed in recent times.
According to the Authority, the action became necessary when consistently the financial health reports from the airlines were indicating gaps in financial stability.
According to Mr Fan Ndubuoke, general manager public affairs, the issue of non payment of staff salaries was critical to safety. “The moment an airline cannot meet its financial obligations, it is believed that the staff morale will be down and this can impact negatively on safety and security of its operations”
He explained that NCAA will not condone a situation where their staff will disrupt operations which will affect the travel plans of passengers who have purchased their tickets.
He said the Authority has written a warning letter to the affected airlines, informing them that non payment of staff salaries was unacceptable to the agency.
The Regulator therefore warns the airlines that if this act persists, it will recourse to sanctions, one of which may result in suspension of Air Operators Certificate (AOC).
It will be recalled that three airlines were sometimes last year suspended due to their inability to pay staff salaries. In fact, NCAA is insisting that until all the arrears of salaries are paid these airlines will not be cleared for further operations.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) therefore reiterated that it will continue carrying out financial health audit of airlines to ensure that our airline operations are healthy, safe and secure.