While acknowledging the challenges faced by airlines, Najomo stressed that the NCAA would not allow standards to fall. “When delays and cancellations occur, they disrupt plans, cause financial losses, and undermine confidence in the industry,” he added.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has voiced serious concerns over the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations in the country, with 190 domestic flights cancelled in the last two months.
Acting Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, revealed on Friday that out of 5,291 flights operated in September 2024, 2,434 were delayed and 79 were cancelled. Similarly, in October 2024, 2,791 flights out of 5,513 were delayed, with 111 flights cancelled.
Najomo made these disclosures during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, themed “Finding Lasting Solutions to Flight Disruptions.” The meeting brought together representatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), and airline executives, including the Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema.
Najomo revealed that the high rate of flight disruptions has drawn attention from top government officials, including calls from the Senate President and the Presidency. “The Senate President called me, asking what we are doing about these disruptions. A lot has happened in the last one week,” Najomo said.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by airlines, Najomo stressed that the NCAA would not allow standards to fall. “When delays and cancellations occur, they disrupt plans, cause financial losses, and undermine confidence in the industry,” he added.
Najomo reminded operators of their obligations under the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023, which mandate that passengers be promptly informed of schedule changes, delays, or cancellations. The regulations also require airlines to provide refreshments, accommodation, and alternative travel arrangements for disruptions beyond acceptable limits.
“These regulations are not optional; they are mandatory,” Najomo stated, adding that poor management of delays is the primary issue plaguing the operators.
The FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, echoed Najomo’s remarks, emphasizing that airlines need to handle delays more professionally to rebuild confidence in the aviation industry.
Najomo also called on passengers to refrain from resorting to unruly behavior, such as damaging airline property or attacking employees, as such actions would not be tolerated.
The meeting sought to find actionable solutions to reduce disruptions and ensure a smoother experience for passengers in the Nigerian aviation sector.
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