NCAA SUMMONS 13 DOMESTIC AIRLINES OVER FLIGHT DELAYS, WARNS OF SANCTIONS FOR PASSENGER RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

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Agency Report

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is meeting with all 13 scheduled domestic airlines today (Wednesday) amid mounting public outrage over persistent flight delays and cancellations, which have triggered repeated incidents of passenger unrest and airport violence nationwide.

The regulator convened the urgent meeting following growing criticism from aviation stakeholders, who insist that dialogue alone cannot resolve the crisis. According to them, only strict enforcement of existing laws will compel airlines to comply with passenger rights obligations.

Flight disruptions have long plagued Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector, but industry observers say the problem has worsened in recent months. They blame airlines for failing to provide adequate welfare or timely communication during disruptions, leaving passengers stranded without food, refunds, or hotel accommodation in violation of aviation regulations.

On Monday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, announced that the authority would begin naming and shaming defaulting airlines, stressing that consumer protection rules under Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations must be upheld.

“Airlines must uphold the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, particularly Part 19, which obligates them to provide care for passengers in cases of delays or cancellations,” Achimugu stated.

The rules require airlines to provide hotel accommodation for stranded passengers between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., meals, and timely refunds where applicable.

Barely 24 hours after Achimugu’s declaration, the NCAA summoned all 13 airlines for Wednesday’s meeting. Issues on the agenda include flight delay management, passenger welfare obligations, unresolved complaints on refunds and compensation, safety protocol compliance, and measures to protect crew and officials from passenger aggression.

The NCAA says the move underscores its determination to address rising consumer complaints and restore order to the country’s aviation sector.