*Experts, lawmakers call for urgent reforms amid economic losses and passenger dissatisfaction
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The Nigerian aviation industry is under increasing scrutiny as persistent flight delays and cancellations continue to disrupt business operations and travel plans across the country. Recent data from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reveals that nearly half of all domestic flights in 2024 were either delayed or cancelled, significantly impacting productivity and economic activities nationwide.
According to the NCAA, of the 70,543 scheduled flights on domestic routes, 33,235 (47.1%) were delayed, while 1,189 (1.7%) were cancelled. In total, 34,424 flights were affected, with an estimated 19,250 passengers stranded for extended hours in airports across the country.
Businesses have borne the brunt of these disruptions, as executives miss critical meetings, scheduled events are aborted, and logistics networks are strained. Experts warn that the trend, if not reversed, could hamper the federal government’s drive for economic diversification and foreign investment.
Aviation analyst and CEO of Belujane Konzult, Mr. Chris Aligbe, emphasized the need for capacity-based scheduling. “There’s no reason an airline operating just two aircraft should be servicing multiple routes. The NCAA must introduce a capacity-matching template,” he said.
Similarly, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) of Centurion Securities warned against unregulated airline expansions. “It does not make sense to increase fleet or grant new licences when passenger traffic hasn’t grown by at least 10 percent,” he argued.
Leading domestic carrier Air Peace recorded the highest number of delays (7,619) and 333 cancellations — accounting for 28% of all cancelled flights. Arik Air followed with 5,027 delays and 215 cancellations.
The airlines cite a combination of factors including:
- Poor infrastructure and apron space limitations,
- Soaring Jet A1 fuel costs,
- Bird strikes and weather challenges,
- Regulatory delays, and
- Inadequate departure hall screening and exit points.
In a statement, Air Peace explained, “We do not cancel any flight for the fun of it. When we do, we are often the greater loser financially. It is never our policy to delay or cancel flights without due cause.”
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has called for urgent reforms, including collaboration among carriers to reduce operational strain. However, despite talk of codeshare agreements and partnerships, no significant alliances have materialised.
Industry expert Ohunayo Olumide blames static scheduling despite reduced fleet sizes. “The airlines are still running schedules meant for larger fleets, hence they merge flights and cause delays. The NCAA should publish monthly data to increase transparency and pressure carriers to improve,” he advised.
Consumer rights advocate Olu Tosho reminded passengers of their entitlements under the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR) 2023 and the Montreal Convention, which include:
- Refreshments and communication for delays over 2 hours,
- Hotel accommodation if delays extend past 10pm,
- 25% ticket refund for delays exceeding 6 hours,
- Rerouting or reimbursement for delays over 3 hours.
Worried by the growing crisis, the Nigerian Senate summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, to explain the situation.
During plenary, Senator AbdulFatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) described the trend as “counterproductive to national growth,” noting that the NCAA must enforce stricter compliance with safety and service standards.
Stakeholders are urging immediate and strategic reforms, including:
- Enforcing route caps based on fleet size,
- Enhancing airport infrastructure,
- Recalibrating fuel and maintenance cost frameworks,
- Promoting operational alliances among indigenous carriers.
Until these issues are resolved, Nigeria’s aviation sector risks further eroding public confidence and investor interest, experts warn.
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