Flight Disruptions: FG summons airline CEOs

The Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has summoned Chief Executive Officers of domestic airlines to a crucial meeting in Lagos following a surge in flight delays and cancellations. The move underscores the Authority’s resolve to tackle passenger complaints and restore confidence in the aviation sector.

In an unprecedented step, the NCAA has also engaged the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to provide daily weather reports directly to its Consumer Protection Department. This initiative aims to verify claims by airlines attributing disruptions to adverse weather, a tactic often questioned by disgruntled passengers.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, shared updates on the Authority’s new enforcement measures on X, formerly Twitter. “For the first time in over a decade, enforcement action has been initiated against five airlines. This demonstrates that the NCAA under Capt. Najomo is serious about accountability,” Achimugu stated, adding that Capt. Najomo cut short an assignment to personally address airline CEOs.

The NCAA also highlighted Minister Festus Keyamo’s recent efforts to modernize the industry, including resolving capacity challenges and upgrading sunset airports with advanced instrument landing systems. Achimugu urged passengers to remain patient, emphasizing that while perfection may take time, tangible progress is already underway.