190 domestic flights cancelled in 2 months –NCAA

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has voiced serious concerns about the alarming increase in flight delays and cancellations, with figures showing nearly half of all flights disrupted in recent months. Acting Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, disclosed the troubling statistics during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday.

According to Najomo, 2,434 out of 5,291 flights in September 2024 were delayed, with 79 cancellations recorded. October saw even worse figures, with 2,791 out of 5,513 flights delayed and 111 flights cancelled. The DGCA revealed that the issue has drawn the attention of top government officials, including the Senate President, who demanded immediate solutions to the persistent disruptions.

“When delays and cancellations occur, they disrupt plans, cause financial losses, and undermine confidence in the industry,” Najomo stated. He reminded airlines of their obligations under the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023, emphasizing that prompt communication, accommodations, and alternative arrangements for affected passengers are mandatory. He also urged operators to adopt more professional approaches to managing delays.

The meeting, themed “Finding Lasting Solutions to Flight Disruptions,” brought together key aviation stakeholders, including airline operators, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema. While highlighting the airlines’ operational challenges, Najomo warned against unruly passenger behavior, such as damaging property or attacking staff, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated. The industry’s leaders now face mounting pressure to restore passenger confidence and improve service delivery.