NCAA Summons 13 Airlines Over Flight Delays, Cancellations

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called 13 domestic carriers to an emergency meeting following a surge in flight delays and cancellations affecting passengers nationwide.

The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday at NCAA headquarters, was confirmed by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection. He said the intervention is aimed at addressing persistent delays, cancellations, passenger welfare, enforcement of safety measures, and the introduction of RFID baggage tracking and real-time flight monitoring.

The NCAA also warned airlines against flouting regulations, including Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, which mandates hotel accommodations for stranded travelers between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am.

“Airlines must adhere strictly to regulations. For infractions that are sanctionable, the Authority will apply the fullest measures possible,” Achimugu said, stressing that the era of leniency is over.

While acknowledging operational challenges, he emphasized that carriers must meet expected standards to be regarded as world-class.