The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has introduced a new Aviation Consumer Welfare Directive designed to enhance passenger rights and improve how complaints and disputes are managed within the emirate’s aviation sector.

The initiative establishes a structured regulatory system that defines the relationship between passengers, airlines, and licensed travel agencies. It also introduces formal mediation processes, giving the regulator a more active role in resolving conflicts and protecting consumer interests.

Under the new framework, passengers will have access to a clearer and more transparent process for lodging and monitoring complaints. The DCAA will act as an intermediary, facilitating communication between involved parties and overseeing resolution procedures. Authorities say the system is intended to strengthen accountability and build greater trust across the aviation ecosystem.

The directive applies to all passengers travelling through Dubai’s airports, as well as airlines and authorised travel agents operating in the emirate. By formalising operational and service expectations, the framework aims to reduce disputes and improve consistency in handling passenger concerns.

The DCAA will be responsible for implementing and supervising the system, including establishing regulatory standards, enabling mediation channels, and ensuring compliance among all stakeholders. The broader objective is to improve service quality and enhance the overall passenger experience across Dubai’s aviation sector.

Source: ZAWYA

Nigeria’s government has imposed limits on jet fuel prices and approved credit arrangements for airlines in an effort to prevent widespread flight disruptions linked to sharply rising fuel costs, according to an official document reviewed by Reuters.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) set indicative retail price ranges for aviation fuel between 1,760 naira and 1,988 naira per litre in Lagos, and between 1,809 naira and 2,037 naira in Abuja. These benchmarks are based on pricing data from April 17 to April 23.

Despite the pricing framework, the regulator cautioned that volatility in global energy markets, including tensions involving the United States and Iran, as well as higher supplier costs, could still push prices upward.

Neither the NMDPRA nor the aviation ministry immediately responded to requests for comment.

The policy shift follows emergency discussions triggered by airline warnings that jet fuel prices had surged by more than 270%. Operators said the spike had forced fare increases and raised concerns over potential capacity reductions.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu approved a 30% relief measure on airline debts owed to aviation agencies. He also directed fuel suppliers, airlines, and regulators to agree on a “fair” pricing structure within 72 hours to avoid disruption across the aviation sector.

As part of the agreed measures, airlines will be granted a 30-day credit period for fuel purchases. The aviation ministry has also been tasked with mediating outstanding debt disputes between operators and petroleum marketers, according to the document.

A technical committee established by the NMDPRA recommended that fuel marketers supply airlines directly within the approved price band, a move intended to reduce costs and improve transparency in the supply chain.

The committee also called for engagement with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals regarding recently increased premiums applied to international pricing benchmarks used for jet fuel.

Additional recommendations include stricter validation of fuel distributors operating in airport zones, which could reduce the number of authorised suppliers, as well as exploring the inclusion of jet fuel under Nigeria’s naira-for-crude programme to limit airlines’ exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations.

(Exchange rate used: $1 = 1,360.5 naira)

Source: ZAWYA

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has introduced a new Aviation Consumer Welfare Directive designed to enhance passenger rights and improve how complaints and disputes are managed within the emirate’s aviation sector.

The initiative establishes a structured regulatory system that defines the relationship between passengers, airlines, and licensed travel agencies. It also introduces formal mediation processes, giving the regulator a more active role in resolving conflicts and protecting consumer interests.

Under the new framework, passengers will have access to a clearer and more transparent process for lodging and monitoring complaints. The DCAA will act as an intermediary, facilitating communication between involved parties and overseeing resolution procedures. Authorities say the system is intended to strengthen accountability and build greater trust across the aviation ecosystem.

The directive applies to all passengers travelling through Dubai’s airports, as well as airlines and authorised travel agents operating in the emirate. By formalising operational and service expectations, the framework aims to reduce disputes and improve consistency in handling passenger concerns.

The DCAA will be responsible for implementing and supervising the system, including establishing regulatory standards, enabling mediation channels, and ensuring compliance among all stakeholders. The broader objective is to improve service quality and enhance the overall passenger experience across Dubai’s aviation sector.

Source: ZAWYA

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has introduced a new Aviation Consumer Welfare Directive designed to reinforce protections for airline passengers and improve how complaints and disputes are handled within Dubai’s aviation industry.

The directive sets out a unified regulatory structure defining the relationships between passengers, airlines, and licensed travel agents. It also introduces a formal mediation process intended to resolve disagreements more efficiently, reflecting a more proactive regulatory approach to consumer protection.

Under the new system, passengers will have access to a transparent mechanism for lodging complaints and tracking their progress. The DCAA will act as a facilitator between relevant parties, ensuring communication is streamlined and disputes are addressed through structured resolution channels. Authorities say the initiative is intended to strengthen trust and accountability across the aviation sector.

The framework covers all passengers travelling through Dubai’s airports, along with airlines and authorised travel agencies operating in the emirate. By formalising operational relationships, it aims to improve transparency and reduce friction in the handling of customer grievances.

The DCAA will oversee the implementation of the directive, including the establishment of regulatory standards, mediation processes, and compliance monitoring. The authority stated that the broader objective is to enhance service quality and improve the overall passenger experience across Dubai’s aviation network.

Source: ZAWYA

Hamad International Airport has confirmed a continued expansion in flight activity, with more international airlines restoring operations as connectivity to Doha gradually strengthens.

In a statement shared عبر social media, the airport said additional airline partners are rejoining its network, noting that services are being reinstated in stages. Passengers were advised to check directly with their respective airlines for booking details and updated schedules.

Operational updates indicate a phased return of carriers over several weeks. flydubai resumed flights on April 21, followed by Air Arabia on April 22.

On April 23, services restarted for Oman Air, Tarco Aviation, US-Bangla Airlines, and Royal Jordanian.

Further resumptions followed on April 26, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Middle East Airlines, and Nepal Airlines returning to service. The next day saw operations restart for Badr Airlines and Syrian Air.

On April 28, flights resumed for EgyptAir and Himalaya Airlines.

Looking ahead, additional carriers are scheduled to return in May. Air India, Air India Express, and Gulf Air are expected to resume on May 1. Ethiopian Airlines will follow on May 4, with SriLankan Airlines on May 11 and Kam Air on May 16.

Royal Air Maroc is scheduled to restart operations later in the summer, beginning July 1.

Airport authorities emphasized that all flight activity is being coordinated closely with relevant regulators and airline partners. They also cautioned that schedules remain subject to change, with possible adjustments or cancellations due to factors outside operational control.

Source: ZAWYA

Kuwait’s Deputy Director General for Planning and Projects at the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), Saad Al-Otaibi, has confirmed that the Kuwait International Airport operational plan is being implemented successfully and is progressing in a smooth and efficient manner.

Speaking to Kuwait TV, Al-Otaibi said flights resumed early Sunday morning as part of a trial phase operating at 10 percent capacity. This includes 40 flights daily, split evenly between 20 departures and 20 arrivals, compared with around 400 flights per day prior to February 28.

He noted that PACA approved both the phased resumption of airport operations and the reopening of national airspace starting Sunday, following its closure on February 28. The recovery plan, he added, was developed in coordination with several authorities including the Ministry of Interior, Kuwait General Administration of Customs, Kuwait Fire Force, Ministry of Health, Kuwait Airways, and Jazeera Airways.

Al-Otaibi said operations are being closely supervised in line with directives from Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Sabah and under the monitoring of PACA Director General Sheikh Hamoud Al-Sabah.

Kuwait Airways Acting Chief Executive Officer Captain Abdulwahab Al-Shatti congratulated citizens and travelers on the reopening of airspace and the resumption of services, particularly at Terminal Four (T4). He confirmed that four flights initially departed to Egypt, Beirut, Oman, and Manila.

He explained that passenger handling procedures have been updated in coordination with PACA and announced through official channels. Arriving passengers are required to move through designated parking areas for disembarkation and security screening before proceeding to terminal access points. He also confirmed that accompanying persons are not permitted inside the airport for security and crowd management reasons.

At Jazeera Airways, Chief Government Affairs Officer Eng. Nasser Al-Obaid described the reopening as a major step toward normal operations, thanking Kuwait’s armed forces for ensuring national safety and acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s role in maintaining regional connectivity during the closure period.

He said current operations, coordinated with PACA, Civil Defense, and the Ministry of Interior, are running at about 10 percent capacity, with six daily flights compared to the previous 60. The airline expects gradual expansion, including 48 flights to 10 destinations this week. He added that the aim of restoring operations is to ensure public confidence and safety, with all procedures designed as precautionary measures.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Abdulwahab Al-Wuhaib has conducted inspection visits at Kuwait International Airport to review security readiness for resumed operations. He assessed passenger processing systems, inspection procedures, and coordination between security units, while also meeting Ports Security personnel and conveying leadership directives on maintaining high preparedness levels.

Al-Wuhaib also carried out a maritime inspection of Coast Guard facilities, reviewing boat traffic management and surveillance systems, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. At the Nawaf Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base, he inspected a new radar tower project designed to strengthen maritime border monitoring.

Authorities confirmed that the airspace reopening on April 26 follows a precautionary suspension that began on February 28 due to regional developments and Iranian attacks on Kuwait. Officials said the current phase prioritizes security readiness while gradually restoring normal aviation and maritime activity.

Source: ZAWYA