NCAA Cracks Down on Airlines Over Flight Delays, Crew Shortages, Passenger Welfare By Raymond Enoch
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued stern warnings to airlines over persistent flight delays, cancellations, crew shortages and lapses in passenger welfare, directing operators to align their schedules with available aircraft and crew.
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, gave the warning during separate interactive sessions with Air Peace and Max Air at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Najomo questioned the effectiveness of existing operational buffers in the face of recurring delays and cancellations, even as he acknowledged that weather conditions, flight diversions and airport restrictions could contribute to operational disruptions.
He stressed the need for airlines to strengthen contingency planning and ensure timely and effective communication with passengers whenever disruptions occur.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said NCAA monitoring had uncovered cases in which passengers were left without adequate information or assistance during flight disruptions.
Achimugu reminded Air Peace of its obligations under applicable consumer protection regulations, including the provision of refreshments after two hours, meals after six hours, as well as accommodation, refunds and compensation where applicable.
He also expressed concern over emerging flight-related issues and urged the airline to respond promptly to consumer complaints.
Responding, Air Peace Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, disclosed that the airline currently has 20 aircraft, five of which are Aircraft on Ground (AOG), leaving 15 serviceable aircraft.
She explained that Air Peace deliberately operates between 80 and 85 flights daily in order to maintain an operational buffer capable of absorbing disruptions.
According to her, recent disruptions were caused by a combination of technical and operational challenges, including bird-strike damage, component shortages and a cracked windshield, alongside adverse weather conditions and airport restrictions.
Olajide maintained that Air Peace provides hotel accommodation and other forms of assistance to passengers affected by prolonged disruptions.
At the separate engagement with Max Air, the airline’s General Manager, Ground Operations/Business Development, Mr Raymond Omadiagbe, disclosed that three Boeing 737 aircraft were available for domestic operations and were all serviceable.
However, he said only two were being operated because of crew limitations.
Omadiagbe further disclosed that the airline’s international fleet comprises two Boeing 747 aircraft and one Boeing 777, which are currently undergoing checks.
He said Max Air had reduced its flight schedule to reflect its available operational resources, while also discontinuing late-night Kano operations following feedback from passengers.
The discussions identified pilot retention as one of the major challenges confronting both airlines, with the NCAA acknowledging the wider implications of crew availability for schedule reliability and operational continuity.
Najomo said the regulatory authority was supporting training-bond arrangements and considering measures to facilitate the validation of foreign crew licences.
He, however, stressed that such measures must be accompanied by proper licence verification and simulator checks to ensure compliance with aviation safety requirements.
The DGCA assured airlines of the NCAA’s continued support, but made it clear that operators must take greater responsibility for realistic scheduling, strict regulatory compliance and improved passenger care.
The engagements form part of the NCAA’s continuing regulatory and consumer-protection efforts to address operational disruptions and strengthen service standards across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
