The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Chris Najomo, has defended Nigerian airlines over recurring flight delays and passenger disruptions, asserting that safety considerations must always take precedence over public criticism.
NCAA Exonerates Air Peace
Speaking yesterday in Lagos with aviation journalists, Najomo specifically defended Air Peace over recent allegations that the airline abandoned passengers traveling to Nigeria from Gatwick Airport in London, United Kingdom. He insisted that investigations by the regulator, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), indicated that the airline acted responsibly after discovering a technical issue on the aircraft.
He emphasized that the airline’s engineers halted operations after detecting a fault during routine checks on the Boeing 777 aircraft bound for Lagos, Nigeria. “Air Peace did the right thing by not operating that flight. They contacted Boeing and were advised not to fly the aircraft. These are machines. Anything can happen. Flight delays happen all over the world. We should support our own,” Najomo stated.
According to him, the airline arranged accommodation for affected passengers and made plans to transport them with another aircraft. He warned against excessive criticism of indigenous carriers, stressing that flight disruptions occur globally and are often beyond the control of operators.
Global Context and Consumer Education
Najomo cited recent incidents involving Delta Air Lines and British Airways, with the former returning to the United States after departing for Lagos from Atlanta, Georgia. He explained that the authority was intensifying consumer enlightenment campaigns through its Consumer Protection Department to help passengers better understand the realities of airline operations and safety decisions.
Government Support for Airlines
He noted that the Federal Government was supporting domestic airlines through policy measures aimed at easing operational pressures caused by rising aviation fuel costs and economic challenges. The government had already approved a 30 percent discount on debts owed by airlines to aviation agencies, though the approval is yet to be implemented and will follow due process.
The DGCA also revealed that discussions were ongoing between government officials and fuel marketers to address the high cost of Jet A1, which has significantly impacted airline operations. Despite mounting operational costs, many Nigerian airlines have resisted increasing airfares following public criticism experienced during the last festive season.
Optimism for Reforms
Najomo noted that the global aviation industry was facing similar economic challenges, citing cost-cutting measures by several international carriers. He expressed optimism that recent reforms, including Nigeria’s implementation of the Cape Town Convention, would encourage aircraft lessors to bring newer aircraft into the country and strengthen the capacity of local operators.
The NCAA boss also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for supporting private airline operators amid prevailing economic difficulties.
