Over 5,000 Domestic Flights Delayed, 190 Cancelled in Two Months – NCAA

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed that at least 5,225 domestic flights were delayed and 190 canceled between September and October 2024.

Acting Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, disclosed these figures during an engagement session with airline operators on Friday. He stressed the need for airlines to handle disruptions with professionalism, especially as the harmattan season brings adverse weather conditions.

“Delays and cancellations are sometimes inevitable, but poor management of these disruptions is not,” Najomo said. “It’s the responsibility of airlines to ensure that every disruption, whether due to operational, technical, or weather-related challenges, is handled with the utmost professionalism and regard for passengers’ rights.”

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Breaking down the statistics, Najomo revealed that in September 2024, 5,291 flights were operated domestically, out of which 2,434 were delayed and 79 cancelled. In October 2024, the numbers increased slightly, with 5,513 flights recorded, 2,791 delays, and 111 cancellations.

The acting DG reminded airlines of their obligations under the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023, emphasizing that compliance is non-negotiable.

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“I must remind all operators of the NCAA Regulations on Passenger Rights during disruptions. These regulations are not optional; they are mandatory obligations,” he said.

Najomo urged airlines to adopt better strategies to mitigate flight disruptions, particularly during harmattan, and to ensure passengers’ rights are upheld at all times.