NCAA Issues Ultimatum to Airlines Over Persistent Flight Delays and Passenger Care Failures

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to domestic airlines regarding consistent flight delays and failures in passenger care, stating that regulatory sanctions will be imposed for continued violations.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, announced the crackdown in a statement on Tuesday. The warning follows targeted enforcement visits by NCAA officials to the Abuja operations of three domestic carriers—Xejet, Rano Air, and United Nigeria Airlines—on Monday.

Achimugu stated that the authority has observed a pattern among airlines of withholding timely and accurate information from passengers during disruptions and deliberately avoiding the mandatory provision of light refreshments after two hours of delay, as required by law.

“While we understand the unique operational challenges during the December travel peak, airlines must provide the necessary care for passengers,” Achimugu emphasized. He described the current practices as unacceptable and a direct breach of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.

The NCAA has now issued an ultimatum to all domestic operators, clarifying that the warning extends beyond the three carriers inspected. “We are watching, and action will be taken where necessary,” Achimugu affirmed.

The recent inspections are part of the Authority’s broader efforts to ensure strict adherence to consumer protection standards, especially during periods of high passenger volume and frequent flight disruptions.