The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has opened talks with Turkish Airways following a complaint made by a Nigerian traveler via a viral video where she alleged poor treatment by Turkish Airlines after a layover that lasted for 21 hours at Istanbul Airport, despite having an option of hotel or free tour package both sponsored by Turkish Airlines as stated on the airline’s official website.
In a swift reaction, the NCAA, in collaboration with the Federal Competition Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) summoned representatives of Turkish Airways to its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, 17th April 2024.
The meeting, chaired by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, made the following recommendations.
Turkish Airways should apologise to the complainant on or before the 18th April, 2024, and assure her that the case will be investigated.
Turkish Airways should clarify its visa/hotel policy on their booking site within 5 working days from the meeting day. However, passengers without consular visas cannot enter Turkey even though they are entitled to hotel accommodation.
Passengers are hereby advised to always read airlines’ terms and conditions before embarking on any trip.
A comprehensive update on the case will be provided within one week.
