The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on behalf of the Federal Government has expressed disapproval of the recent high number of aircraft cancellations and delays.
According to NCAA Acting Director-General Chris Najomo, 2,434 of the 5,291 flights that were serviced in September 2024 experienced delays, while 79 were canceled.
He added that 111 flights were canceled and 2791 flights were delayed out of the 5,513 flights that were flown in October 2024.
Najomo made these revelations on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting themed, Finding Lasting Solutions to Flight Disruptions.
According to a report, the meeting was convened by Najomo in response to persistent flight delays and cancellations, particularly during the festive season.
The session was attended by key stakeholders, including 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). Also present was the Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, alongside other members of the Airline Operators Association.
Najomo disclosed that he had been inundated with calls from various quarters, including the Presidency, the National Assembly, and the Ministry of Aviation, concerning the flight disruptions.
“The Senate President called me, asking what we are doing about these disruptions. A lot has happened in the past week,” he said.
Acknowledging the airlines’ operational challenges, Najomo, who was once an operator before becoming a regulator, emphasized that he would not sit idly by while things deteriorate further. He reminded airline operators of their obligations under the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023, particularly regarding passenger rights during disruptions.
Najomo urged airlines to manage delays professionally, noting that poor handling of such situations is a significant issue. He also cautioned passengers against damaging airline property or assaulting staff over delays, stressing that unruly behavior would not be tolerated.
DAILY POST
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