The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has summoned 13 domestic airlines to an emergency meeting in Abuja to address growing concerns over flight disruptions, passenger welfare, and airline accountability.
This move comes after the regulatory body revealed alarming statistics: 5,225 flight delays and 190 cancellations were recorded in September and October 2024.
According to NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the meeting aims to tackle key issues such as unruly passenger behavior, unresolved refund and compensation claims, introduction of RFID baggage tags, and flight monitoring technology, as well as enforcing phone switch-off rules and protecting cabin crew.
The NCAA has emphasized the importance of airlines adhering to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Consumer Protection Regulations 2023, which mandate prompt notification of schedule changes, provision of accommodation and refreshments for stranded passengers, and adequate compensation for disruptions exceeding acceptable limits.
Achimugu warned that the authority will no longer tolerate non-compliance and will impose severe penalties on defaulting airlines.
The NCAA’s decision to crack down on airlines is backed by directives from the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who has ordered the agency to publicly “name and shame” airlines that routinely flout civil aviation regulations.
