This archive report was first published on 14 December 2019.
December 16, 2019, marked a deadline for Turkish Airlines to address persistent baggage delays, or face suspension of operations in Nigeria. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had issued a stern warning to the airline, citing two weeks of baggage delays affecting 85% of passengers.
According to NCAA Director General Captain Abdullahi Sidi, the airline was instructed to operate with the right aircraft size and ensure that all checked-in baggage arrives with passengers. The warning was issued after reports of 'mob actions' at the country's airports, which could pose a risk to operations.
However, it appears that the airline has since taken steps to address the issue. A spot check revealed that Turkish Airlines has begun to comply with the conditions, upgrading their Boeing 737-800 to a larger Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-900.
One passenger, Ovie Ali, praised the airline's efforts, stating, 'After Major General Buhari grounded Turkish Airlines in Nigeria for moving the baggage of passengers in separate cargo planes days after arrival of the passengers, the airline has begun using a larger A330 aircraft to convey both passengers and their luggage in the same plane.'
It remains to be seen whether the airline's efforts will be enough to avoid suspension, but for now, it appears that they are taking steps in the right direction.
