Senate Summons Aviation Minister Keyamo, Airline Operators Over Flight Delays

The Senate has directed Keyamo, the Director-General of the NCAA, airline operators, and other stakeholders to appear for questioning to address the issue and propose solutions to ensure reliable air services for Nigerians.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, along with airline operators, to address the persistent issues of flight delays and cancellations plaguing the country’s aviation sector.

The decision followed a motion raised on Wednesday by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation. Senator Buhari expressed concerns about the frequent disruptions in flight schedules, describing them as detrimental to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Citing various media reports, Buhari highlighted the adverse effects of these delays and cancellations, emphasizing the vital role air travel plays in ensuring the timely execution of business and official engagements. “The Senate recognizes that this situation is troubling, particularly since air travel plays a vital role in the timely execution of business and official engagements,” he stated.

The motion further noted that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, has the mandate to oversee the aviation industry and ensure airline operators adhere to international standards. However, enforcement of regulations remains a challenge.

The Senate also pointed out that Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations of 2023 specifically addresses consumer protection, including compensation for flight delays, but many Nigerians remain unaware of their rights. Lawmakers called on the NCAA to implement these regulations more effectively to hold airline operators accountable.

Additionally, the Senate warned that the ongoing efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy and attract foreign investment could suffer setbacks if the aviation sector fails to meet global best practices.

The Senate has directed Keyamo, the Director-General of the NCAA, airline operators, and other stakeholders to appear for questioning to address the issue and propose solutions to ensure reliable air services for Nigerians.