Frustration simmers across Nigerian airports as flight delays, disruptions, and schedule changes become all too common.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), as the industry’s regulator, has issued a stern warning to airlines: mend your ways or face consequences.
Over the weekend, the Acting Director General Capt. Chris Najomo convened a tense meeting with domestic airline operators in Abuja.
His message was clear: the current state of affairs, marked by “flight disruptions, poor customer experience, and poor handling of passengers,” is unacceptable.
Airlines, he declared, must match their flight schedules with their actual operational capacity, ensuring passengers aren’t left stranded or scrambling.
But the airlines presented their own list of grievances. Crumbling airport infrastructure, unpredictable bird strikes, and airspace congestion, they argued, were major contributors to the chaos.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Director of Operations, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmoud acknowledged these challenges and pledged to address them, but the finger-pointing only highlighted the complex web of factors contributing to the travel woes.
A recent presentation by Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik, Acting General Manager of Flight Operations & Adjudication, highlighted key concerns for Nigerian air travelers. Focusing on Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, she emphasized airlines’ obligations in situations like flight delays, cancellations, schedule changes, and baggage issues.
The data paints a concerning picture: in 2023, a staggering 53% of flights in Nigeria experienced delays, with an additional 1% facing cancellation. These figures underscore the need for stricter enforcement of passenger rights and clearer communication from airlines during disruptions.
As the meeting concluded, a sense of cautious optimism mingled with skepticism. Airlines were urged to prioritize service improvements, while the NCAA vowed to vigilantly monitor compliance.
However, the real question remains: will these measures translate into smoother skies for Nigerian air travelers?
