Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has voiced concerns over the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations.
Ag. Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, revealed that in September 2024, 5,291 flights were operated, with 2,434 delays and 79 cancellations. In October 2024, out of 5,513 flights, 2,791 were delayed and 111 cancelled.
Najomo addressed the issue during a stakeholders’ meeting on Friday, titled “Finding Lasting Solutions to Flight Disruptions,” attended by airline operators, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, representatives of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). Allen Onyema, Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, was also present.
Najomo revealed that he had received calls from the Presidency, National Assembly, and the Ministry regarding the disruptions.
“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 challenges faced by airlines, Najomo emphasised that poor management of disruptions was the real issue.
“When delays and cancellations occur, they disrupt plans, cause financial losses and undermine confidence in the industry,” he stated.
He reminded airlines of the NCAA regulations on passenger rights during disruptions, stressing that they are mandatory.
“These regulations are not optional; they are mandatory obligations that ensure passengers are promptly informed of schedule changes, delays or cancellations,” he said.
Najomo also advised airlines to manage delays professionally and warned passengers against unruly behaviour.
“Unruly behaviour, such as destroying airline property or assaulting employees over delays, will not be tolerated,” he said.
FAAN’s Managing Director supported Najomo’s position, noting that the key issue lies in the poor management of delays and cancellations by airlines.