By ThePreview Team

 

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed its resolve to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage-tracking technology across domestic and international terminals to eliminate the increasing spate of luggage delays and missing baggage experienced by passengers.

According to the NCAA, the RFID-enabled baggage-tracking system, which will replace the traditional barcode-centric framework, will provide both airlines and passengers real-time, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) visibility of checked luggage from check-in to final reclaim.

The Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection (DPA&CP), Michael Achimugu, made this known at a stakeholder engagement forum in Lagos on Tuesday.

The move, according to Mr Achimugu, is critical to improving baggage traceability, reducing mishandling, strengthening accountability, and enhancing the overall passenger experience, contrasting sharply with traditional barcode systems, which slow down real-time baggage tracking.

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RFID technology allows bags to be scanned automatically at multiple points without direct line of sight, providing live data from check-in to arrival.

He noted that, for many years now, issues of baggage short-landed, missing, lost, or destroyed have remained one of the biggest complaints in the industry, after flight delays.

Hence, the introduction of RFID technology at this period aligns with  International Air Transport Association (IATA) Resolution 753, which mandates tracking of baggage at key points and will play a stronger role in improving baggage handling and passenger confidence.