The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said that out of 10,804 flights operated in September and October this year, 5,225 were delayed, and 190 were cancelled.
Speaking during a meeting with the Chief Executive Officers of airlines in Lagos on Friday, the Director General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, gave a further breakdown of the flight data to show that in September 2024, 5,291 domestic flights were operated with 2,434 delays and 79 cancellations, while in October 2024, 5513 flights were operated with 2,791 delays and 111 cancellations recorded.
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He said that though sometimes delays and cancellations are inevitable, poor administration and communication from the airlines when these disruptions occur has far-reaching effects.
He said it is the responsibility of every operator to ensure that whenever there is a disruption, whether due to operational, technical, or weather-related challenges, the situation is handled with professionalism and consideration for passengers’ rights, especially during this harmattan season where poor weather conditions will affect flight operations.
He said the NCAA Regulations on Passenger Rights during disruptions, as outlined in the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023, are mandatory obligations that every airline must adhere to and emphasised that the regulations ensure that passengers are promptly informed of schedule changes, delays, or cancellations, accommodation, refreshments, and alternative travel arrangements are offered when disruptions exceed the acceptable limits.
He said adequate compensation must be provided where applicable and that non-compliance with these regulations will not be tolerated, and going forward, the NCAA will sanction airlines that violate these regulations.
He noted that while he acknowledges the challenges faced by airlines, including infrastructural limitations and operational constraints, he said these challenges should not come at the expense of the passengers.
He said airlines must invest in sound operational systems that can minimise avoidable delays, ensure transparency in communication with passengers during disruptions, and strengthen contingency plans for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.
He also said airlines must offer immediate care, refunds, reimbursements, and/or compensation as applicable, adding that this is not only about compliance with regulations but about fostering trust and goodwill among the flying public.
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