NCAA Mandates Compensation for Passengers After Ibom Air Flight Cancellation

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed Ibom Air to provide compensation to passengers affected by the cancellation of a scheduled flight on Friday. The directive came in response to a passenger’s complaint on social media platform X, criticizing the airline’s handling of the situation.

The passenger alleged that after initially delaying a 3:30 PM flight to 5:20 PM, the airline subsequently requested travelers to retrieve their luggage, further exacerbating frustrations. The passenger also accused the airline of exploiting its monopoly on the Uyo route.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, clarified that the disruption resulted from a technical issue with the aircraft earlier in the day—an event classified as force majeure. The delay created a domino effect on the aircraft’s scheduled routes, ultimately leading to the decision to cancel the Uyo-bound flight due to the airport’s sunset curfew, which prohibits operations after dark.

Achimugu confirmed that Ibom Air has taken steps to mitigate passenger inconvenience, including providing hotel accommodations for some and issuing emails offering 25% compensation to all affected travelers. He emphasized that while flight disruptions are sometimes unavoidable, airlines are required to comply with NCAA regulations regarding passenger care, a standard met in this instance.

The director also defended Ibom Air’s overall performance, noting its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most punctual airlines. He reiterated NCAA’s commitment to safety, stating that aircraft are grounded at the slightest detected risk to ensure passenger well-being.

Achimugu apologized to affected passengers on behalf of the regulatory body and noted that additional aircraft are expected to enter service soon, which may help reduce future disruptions.