NCAA Boss Decries Rising Flight Cancellations
- Chris Najomo, acting DG of the NCAA, highlights over 190 flight cancellations in two months.
- Airlines operated 5,291 flights in September, with 2,434 delays and 79 cancellations.
- October saw 5,513 flights, 2,791 delays, and 111 cancellations.
The acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo, has expressed concern over the increasing number of flight disruptions. He revealed that between September and October 2024, over 190 flights were canceled, with thousands more delayed, impacting passenger travel nationwide.
Najomo, speaking at an Airlines-NCAA engagement on Friday, said disruptions are sometimes unavoidable but criticized airlines for poor management of such situations. He urged operators to prioritize professionalism and adhere to passenger rights as outlined in the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023.
Providing data, Najomo disclosed that in September, airlines operated 5,291 flights, with 2,434 delays and 79 cancellations. In October, the number rose to 5,513 flights, with 2,791 delays and 111 cancellations. He called on operators to improve their handling of these challenges.
Najomo said he had received complaints from the presidency and National Assembly, describing the situation as an embarrassment to the nation. He assured that the NCAA would take decisive action to address the problem in collaboration with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.
He emphasized that violence by passengers is never acceptable, urging both airlines and passengers to manage disruptions with mutual respect.
FAAN Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku called for better communication between airlines, regulators, and passengers to minimize misunderstandings and ensure smoother operations.
“We understand passengers’ frustrations, but aggressive behavior cannot be tolerated. We urge passengers to stay informed by providing accurate contact details to airlines,” Kuku stated.
The NCAA and FAAN pledged to work closely with airlines to restore order and improve passenger experiences at Nigerian airports.
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