NCAA Reveals Scale of Flight Delays

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed that nearly 60 per cent of domestic flights operated in Nigeria were delayed in August 2026, highlighting the scale of reliability challenges confronting air travellers.

According to NCAA data, 4,765 of the 7,961 domestic flights operated during the month were delayed, while 36 flights were cancelled, putting the overall delay rate at about 59.8 per cent. United Nigeria Airlines recorded the highest delay rate among the major carriers, with 943 of its 1,231 flights delayed, representing 76.6 per cent. Air Peace followed with 1,330 delayed flights out of 1,864 operations, giving it a 71.4 per cent delay rate.

Other airlines recorded delay rates of 66.3 per cent for Enugu Air, 62.5 per cent for Arik Air, 60.7 per cent for Max Air, 58.2 per cent for Overland Airways and 56.7 per cent for ValueJet.

The NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, criticised airlines over their handling of passengers during disruptions.

He said airlines have obligations under Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, including providing appropriate care and timely communication when flights are significantly delayed or disrupted. Achimugu said passengers are expected to receive light refreshments after two hours of delay and a proper meal after six hours, but alleged that these requirements are frequently ignored.

– By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola