Amid growing frustrations from air travelers over frequent cancellations, delays, and unresolved refund claims, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued formal invitations to major airlines operating in the country to address these escalating issues. The regulatory body aims to enforce stricter compliance with passenger rights, signaling a crackdown on what has become a chronic problem in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The summons, announced in a statement from NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, requires representatives from airlines such as Air Peace, Arik Air, and United Nigeria Airlines to appear at the authority’s headquarters in Abuja within the week. This follows a surge in complaints logged through the NCAA’s consumer protection portal, where passengers have reported losses from missed connections, business opportunities, and even medical appointments due to unreliable flight schedules. “We cannot continue to allow the traveling public to bear the brunt of operational inefficiencies,” Achimugu stated, emphasizing that the meetings will focus on root causes like technical faults, weather-related excuses, and crew shortages.
Flight disruptions have plagued Nigerian skies for months, with data from the authority indicating an average delay rate of over 40% on domestic routes. International flights haven’t fared better, with carriers citing global supply chain issues for aircraft parts as a key factor. Passengers like business executive Fatima Bello from Lagos shared her ordeal: “I booked a flight to Abuja for a crucial meeting, only to be stranded at the airport for eight hours with no clear explanation or compensation. When I demanded a refund, it took weeks of back-and-forth.”
The NCAA’s intervention includes demands for airlines to outline immediate remedial plans, such as investing in better maintenance protocols and enhancing customer service training. Refunds, a sore point for many, must now be processed within 14 days under existing regulations, with penalties for non-compliance potentially including fines or license suspensions. The authority is also pushing for the adoption of digital tracking systems to provide real-time updates to passengers, reducing the chaos at airports.
Industry insiders attribute the disruptions to broader challenges, including rising fuel costs and foreign exchange shortages that hinder imports of spare parts. However, consumer advocates argue that airlines must prioritize accountability. The meetings could lead to new guidelines, such as mandatory contingency funds for refunds or partnerships with insurance providers for disruption coverage.
As Nigeria’s aviation sector seeks to rebound from pandemic-era setbacks, this NCAA action represents a pivotal step toward restoring confidence. Travelers hope it will translate into smoother journeys, while airlines face the task of proving their commitment to reliability in one of Africa’s busiest airspaces.
