ICYMI: 190 Flights Cancelled Within Two Months – NCAA

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revealed that 190 flights were cancelled and 5,225 delayed over a two-month period, showing concerns about the rising frequency of disruptions in the aviation sector.

Speaking at an engagement session with airlines in Lagos yesterday, Chris Najomo, Acting Director-General of the NCAA, highlighted the operational challenges faced by the industry and emphasised the need for airlines to manage disruptions with professionalism and respect for passengers’ rights.

Delays and cancellations are sometimes inevitable, but poor management of these disruptions is not,” Najomo said, pointing to operational, technical, and weather-related challenges, particularly during the harmattan season, as contributing factors.

The NCAA reported that in September 2024, 5,291 domestic flights were operated, with 2,434 delays and 79 cancellations. In October 2024, 5,513 flights were operated, recording 2,791 delays and 111 cancellations.

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Najomo reiterated the obligations of airlines under the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023, warning that compliance is mandatory.  “Operators must ensure disruptions are handled with the utmost professionalism, safeguarding passengers’ rights at all times,” he added.

The NCAA disclosed that it sanctioned five airlines — two international and three domestic operators — on December 24 for violating Part 19 of the 2023 regulations. The violations included failure to refund passengers within the stipulated timeframe, non-responsiveness to directives, mishandling of luggage, and issues related to flight delays and cancellations.

It will be recalled that West Africa Weekly reported that between 2023 and 2024, Max Air Limited faced several safety incidents, including two burst tyres and five mechanical faults involving its aircraft. Despite these incidents which have repeatedly risked lives and raised safety concerns, the airline remains in full operation.

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