The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has called an emergency meeting with 13 domestic airlines to address the increasing cases of flight delays and cancellations across the country.
The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, was confirmed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, in a post on his X handle on Tuesday.
According to Achimugu, the parley will focus on several pressing concerns including repeated flight disruptions, poor passenger handling, unresolved complaints about refunds and compensation, and the need for stricter enforcement of safety rules. Other issues on the agenda include the welfare of passengers stranded overnight, protection for cabin crew and NCAA officials, as well as the planned introduction of RFID baggage tagging and real-time flight monitoring technology.
“The Authority is concerned about the growing complaints from air travellers. Airlines must understand that adherence to aviation rules is not optional,” Achimugu wrote. “For infractions that are sanctionable, the Authority will apply the fullest measures possible. We will not abandon the letters of our regulations.”
He also warned carriers against last-minute cancellations, particularly at night, without providing hotel accommodation for stranded passengers, as required by Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
“This unacceptable practice leaves our consumer protection officers to face angry travellers, sometimes exposing them to unnecessary risks,” Achimugu added.
The NCAA further stressed that while it recognises the operational challenges confronting domestic airlines, operators must meet internationally acceptable standards if they wish to be seen as world-class.
“The era of leniency is over. We will begin naming and shaming airlines that consistently flout the rules,” Achimugu said.
