The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has raised alarm over the increasing rate of flight delays and cancellations across the country, highlighting the negative impact on passengers and the aviation industry.
Acting Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, disclosed that 2,434 flights out of 5,291 were delayed in September 2024, with 79 cancellations.
Similarly, in October 2024, 2,791 out of 5,513 flights were delayed, and 111 were cancelled.
Najomo made this known on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting themed “Finding Lasting Solutions to Flight Disruptions.”
The meeting, attended by airline operators, aviation agency representatives, and notable figures like the Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, focused on addressing the persistent issues of flight disruptions.
“The Senate President called me asking what we are doing about these disruptions. A lot has happened in the last one week,” Najomo revealed, adding that he had also received inquiries from the Presidency, National Assembly, and the Ministry of Aviation.
While empathizing with airline operators over the challenges they face, Najomo emphasized that flight disruptions must be managed professionally to avoid undermining passenger confidence and causing financial losses.
He reminded operators of their mandatory obligations under the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023.
“These regulations are not optional; they are mandatory. Passengers must be promptly informed of schedule changes, delays, or cancellations.
Accommodation, refreshments, and alternative travel arrangements must be provided when disruptions exceed acceptable limits,” Najomo stated.
He urged airlines to improve their handling of delays, warning that poor management often escalates passenger frustration.
He also cautioned passengers against resorting to unruly behavior, such as damaging airline property or assaulting staff, noting that such actions would not be tolerated.
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, supported Najomo’s position, stressing that airlines need to prioritize effective communication and proper management of delays and cancellations.
With over 190 flight cancellations recorded in just two months, stakeholders are now under pressure to find lasting solutions to restore confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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