NCAA Summons 13 Nigerian Airlines Over Growing Flight Disruptions
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned 13 domestic airlines to an emergency meeting following increasing reports of flight delays and cancellations affecting passengers nationwide.
The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, was confirmed by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, via a post on his official X handle on Tuesday.
This move comes amid a surge in passenger complaints and a noticeable rise in disruptive behaviour at airports—incidents NCAA says are partly due to airlines’ failure to comply with aviation guidelines.
In recent weeks, several airport disturbances have been linked to both passenger misunderstandings and deliberate violations by airlines, such as last-minute cancellations without proper redress, sparking frustration and sometimes violent reactions from travelers.
Achimugu explained that the upcoming meeting will tackle a range of critical concerns, including:
- Persistent flight delays and cancellations
- Passenger welfare and handling procedures
- Unresolved issues related to refunds and compensation
- Enforcement of safety protocols, such as mandatory phone switch-off during flights
- Protection measures for airline crew and NCAA officials
- Plans to implement RFID baggage tracking and real-time flight monitoring systems
This development follows closely on the heels of NCAA’s renewed warning to airlines to comply with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations—particularly Part 19, which mandates specific passenger rights during flight disruptions, including hotel accommodations for stranded passengers between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
The agency has also announced its readiness to publicly identify and penalize airlines that repeatedly violate these rules, especially those that cancel flights without offering alternative arrangements or timely communication.
Achimugu highlighted the growing burden on NCAA consumer protection officers, who are often left to calm distressed passengers when airlines fail to provide proper support during flight disruptions. He warned that such negligence puts officials at risk and will no longer be tolerated.
“The days of leniency are over,” Achimugu said. “Where sanctions are warranted, we will enforce them to the fullest extent. We will not compromise on the integrity of our regulations.”
While acknowledging the operational difficulties faced by domestic carriers, Achimugu stressed that these challenges do not excuse substandard service. “If operators want to be recognized as world-class, they must adhere to world-class standards,” he concluded.
