The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to domestic airlines, threatening severe sanctions over persistent flight delays and a blatant disregard for passenger welfare. The regulatory body declared the current situation, where airlines frequently violate consumer protection rules, as completely unacceptable.
NCAA Enforcement Visit Uncovers Systemic Failures
The warning followed an enforcement visit conducted on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, to the Abuja operations of three specific carriers: XeJet, Rano Air, and United Nigeria Airlines. The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, detailed the findings in a statement shared on the social media platform X.
Achimugu stated that the authority observed significant lapses in how airlines manage flight disruptions, particularly delays. He highlighted that many operators fail to provide passengers with timely and accurate information during these incidents. More egregiously, some airlines deliberately avoid providing light refreshments to passengers after delays exceed two hours, a clear violation of existing aviation regulations.
An Ultimatum During the Peak Travel Season
The NCAA official emphasized that while the authority understands the unique operational challenges that arise during the busy December travel season, this does not excuse airlines from their fundamental obligations. “While we understand the unique challenges of December per flight disruptions, airlines must provide the necessary care for passengers at a time like this,” Achimugu stated.
He clarified that this warning is not limited to the three airlines inspected but applies to all domestic operators across Nigeria. The NCAA has issued a firm ultimatum, stating it will take decisive enforcement action against any airline that fails to comply with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which governs consumer protection.
Public Naming and Shaming on the Horizon
This crackdown aligns with a recent directive from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to enhance airline accountability. As part of this drive, the NCAA announced it would begin publicly “naming and shaming” airlines that fail to comply with regulations, especially concerning flight delays and cancellations.
The regulations mandate that airlines must provide hotel accommodation for passengers who become stranded due to airline-related issues. Failure to do so will attract stiff penalties from the authority.
This regulatory action comes amid growing public frustration with the aviation sector. Numerous Nigerians have shared harrowing experiences of prolonged delays without adequate communication or care from the airlines. The issue is further compounded by a sharp rise in domestic airfares during the Yuletide season, with one-way tickets on some routes reportedly costing between N400,000 and N700,000, a development that has sparked outrage and debate in the Senate.
The NCAA's latest move signals a tougher stance aimed at restoring sanity and ensuring that Nigerian air travelers receive the minimum standards of care and respect they are legally entitled to.
