NCAA records over 5,000 flight delays in two months

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has expressed concern over the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations in recent months.

Acting Director-General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, revealed that in September 2024, out of 5,291 flights, 2,434 were delayed, and 79 were canceled. Similarly, in October, 2,791 out of 5,513 flights were delayed, while 111 were canceled.

Najomo made these disclosures during a stakeholders’ meeting on Friday themed “Finding Lasting Solutions to Flight Disruptions”. The meeting included airline operators, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, and representatives from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). Airline CEOs, including Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema, were also in attendance.

Najomo highlighted the growing pressure from the Presidency, National Assembly, and Ministry of Aviation to address the issue. “The Senate President called me asking what we are doing about these disruptions. A lot has happened in the last one week,” he said.

While acknowledging the operational challenges airlines face, Najomo emphasized that poor management of flight disruptions must be addressed. He reminded operators of their obligations under the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023, concerning passengers’ rights during disruptions.

He also called on airlines to manage delays professionally and warned passengers against unruly behavior, including damaging property or attacking staff, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated.