In an unprecedented spate of travel disruptions, Nigerian airlines have faced mounting criticism after 190 flights were canceled in just two months. This unsettling trend, particularly concerning during the country’s peak holiday season, has prompted the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to issue stern warnings about the management of flight delays and cancellations.
NCAA’s Alarm Over Flight Cancellations
At an engagement session between airlines and the NCAA held last Friday, acting Director-General, Chris Najomo, addressed the growing crisis in the aviation sector. Najomo revealed that between September and October 2024, a total of 190 domestic flights were canceled. The cancellations represent a stark increase in operational challenges faced by airlines in the country.
“We are facing a significant challenge, not just in terms of the number of canceled flights, but in how these disruptions are being managed. Between September and October, 190 flights were canceled, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated,” said Najomo. The acting DG emphasized that the escalating rate of cancellations was a cause for concern for both the industry and the traveling public.
Shocking Statistics from September and October 2024
Najomo presented disturbing statistics that reflect the extent of the disruption. In September 2024 alone, 5,291 flights were operated, with 79 cancellations and 2,434 delays. The situation worsened in October, with 5,513 flights operated, 111 of which were canceled, and a staggering 2,791 delayed.
“This paints a very concerning picture for the industry,” Najomo commented. “While delays and cancellations are sometimes inevitable due to weather conditions, operational or technical issues, the way these disruptions are handled is critical. Airlines must step up and show more accountability.”
The Harmattan Season and Operational Struggles
As Nigeria enters the harmattan season, which brings with it harsh weather conditions such as reduced visibility and severe air turbulence, the challenges facing the aviation industry have intensified. Many passengers have been left disgruntled as numerous flights have been delayed or canceled due to adverse weather.
However, NCAA officials have stressed that poor weather alone cannot explain the extent of disruptions. “Poor weather conditions are a reality we must prepare for, but this is no excuse for inadequate handling of passengers or delays in providing timely updates,” Najomo asserted.
Despite these operational hurdles, Nigerians have raised concerns about the quality of service provided by airlines. Long wait times, insufficient communication from airlines, and poor passenger support have led to widespread dissatisfaction.
Regulations on Passenger Rights Under Scrutiny
In light of the mounting frustration among passengers, Najomo reiterated the importance of adhering to the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023. These regulations, which protect passengers’ rights in the event of flight disruptions, have often been disregarded or poorly implemented by some airlines.
“Airlines must honor their obligations under these regulations. Delays and cancellations are part of air travel, but how we manage these events is what matters. Passengers must be compensated, provided with timely updates, and treated with respect during disruptions,” Najomo added.
The NCAA’s consumer protection regulations set clear guidelines on how airlines should compensate affected passengers, ranging from providing meals, accommodation, and financial compensation for long delays, to ensuring passengers are rebooked on the next available flight without undue inconvenience.
Growing Discontent Among Nigerian Passengers
The situation has led to widespread discontent among Nigerian passengers, with many expressing their frustration over the lack of accountability from airlines. In an online survey conducted by a leading travel agency, over 60% of respondents cited flight cancellations and delays as their top complaints. “I had to wait for almost 12 hours at the airport for a flight that was repeatedly delayed, only for it to be canceled at the last minute,” said Esther Ojo, a Lagos-based businesswoman.
Passengers have also criticized airlines for their lack of transparency. “I was not informed about the delay until I arrived at the airport, and the airline staff could not give me any proper explanation,” said one frustrated traveler.
Airlines Respond to Criticism
In response to the growing criticism, airlines have defended their actions, citing operational constraints, such as maintenance issues, staffing shortages, and rising fuel costs. Some carriers also pointed to the unpredictable nature of the harmattan season, which is known to cause operational challenges for airlines across the country.
“We do our best to ensure that passengers are not inconvenienced, but sometimes there are challenges beyond our control,” said an official from one of Nigeria’s largest airlines, who requested anonymity. “We understand the frustrations, and we are working to improve our systems and customer service.”
However, the NCAA has made it clear that airlines must do more to mitigate the impact of these disruptions on passengers. Najomo emphasized that the authority would be closely monitoring airlines’ compliance with regulations and would not hesitate to take enforcement actions against carriers found violating passenger rights.
A Call for Accountability
As the aviation industry grapples with these challenges, the NCAA has called for greater collaboration between airlines, the government, and other stakeholders to address the root causes of the flight disruptions. From improving air traffic control systems to upgrading airport infrastructure, there is a need for long-term solutions that prioritize passenger safety and satisfaction.
The NCAA has also urged airlines to invest in more efficient technology for managing flight schedules and to communicate more effectively with passengers regarding delays and cancellations. “It’s time for airlines to realize that passenger satisfaction is key to the success of the aviation sector. We must all do better,” said Najomo.
Looking Ahead: The Need for a Resilient Aviation Sector
With Nigeria’s aviation industry facing increasing pressure from the public and regulatory bodies, there is a critical need for systemic reforms to improve service delivery. Airlines will need to adopt a more customer-centric approach and invest in infrastructure that will reduce the frequency of flight disruptions.
