December 28, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other key stakeholders in the aviation sector have initiated measures to curb the persistent flight delays and cancellations plaguing the nation’s airports. This comes as the NCAA threatened stricter sanctions against airlines that fail to justify such disruptions.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos, the Acting Director General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, expressed concern over the growing number of flight disruptions and their adverse impact on passengers, businesses, and the industry’s credibility.
Najomo highlighted the implications of flight delays and cancellations on the aviation sector and the nation’s development. He emphasized that while such disruptions are sometimes inevitable, poor handling by airlines often exacerbates the situation.
“Flight disruptions have far-reaching implications for passengers, businesses, and the aviation industry’s credibility. Air travel is not just about transporting passengers but doing so with reliability and accountability. While delays and cancellations may be inevitable, poor management of these disruptions is not,” Najomo said.
He urged airlines to prioritize professionalism in managing disruptions, especially during the harmattan season, when poor weather conditions often affect operations.
Najomo revealed alarming statistics, stating that in September 2024, 5,291 domestic flights were operated, out of which 2,434 were delayed and 79 cancelled. In October, 5,513 flights recorded 2,791 delays and 111 cancellations.
He reminded operators of the mandatory provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023, which outline passengers’ rights during flight disruptions. These include timely information, alternative travel arrangements, and adequate compensation where applicable.
“Non-compliance with these regulations will not be tolerated. Airlines must handle disruptions with utmost professionalism and regard for passengers’ rights,” Najomo warned.
The NCAA, he added, will monitor compliance and impose penalties where necessary. The agency has also engaged the industry through awareness and training sessions to educate airlines and passengers about their rights and responsibilities.
Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, emphasized the need for improved communication between airlines, passengers, and agencies. She disclosed that mobile courts would soon be operational at airports to prosecute unruly passengers swiftly.
“Communication is crucial. Passengers need accurate information about flight schedules to avoid frustration. Airlines must plan better and collaborate with agencies to address these challenges,” Kuku stated.
She added that several sunset airports now have night landing facilities, which will ease operational burdens on airlines.
Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, decried the increasing cases of unruly behavior by passengers, describing it as a threat to staff and airport facilities.
“The attitude of some passengers is alarming. While delays are often blamed on airlines, passengers must understand that force majeure is sometimes unavoidable. Unruly behavior must be addressed decisively to ensure safety and order,” Onyema said.
He pledged Air Peace’s support in educating the traveling public on acceptable conduct during flight disruptions.
Stakeholders agreed that collaboration, transparency, and effective communication are essential to improving service delivery in the aviation sector.
The NCAA reiterated its commitment to working with airlines and other partners to identify the root causes of flight disruptions and implement sustainable solutions.
As the industry moves to address these challenges, passengers are urged to remain patient and comply with airport protocols while stakeholders ensure accountability and professionalism.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
