The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered all domestic airlines to integrate a mandatory special needs assistance option into their ticket booking systems within seven days.
The directive, issued on January 30, 2026, by NCAA, aims to support passengers with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility (PRM), allowing them to request assistance before purchasing tickets, rather than waiting until airport arrival.
“The NCAA reiterates that all domestic airlines must ensure full compliance with provisions for PRM and passengers with disabilities by incorporating a mandatory Special Needs/Assistance request feature on their reservation systems,” the statement said. “Non-compliance may attract regulatory enforcement under applicable aviation regulations.”
Under the new rules, airlines must actively ask whether any passenger in a booking requires assistance and ensure the option is available across all sales channels, including online platforms and telephone bookings, as mandated by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 19.12.3.1.
The NCAA said the move is intended to make air travel safer, more convenient, and more accessible, reducing delays and barriers for travelers who have historically faced challenges navigating airports and flights.
People living with disabilities (PLWDs) often encounter social and physical barriers that restrict access to transportation, education, healthcare, and employment. The NCAA’s directive is a key step toward enhancing independence and inclusion for PLWDs in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
