The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to domestic airlines, threatening to impose significantly heavier penalties for persistent and unnecessary flight delays.
Regulator's Frustration Boils Over
In a strong statement released on Thursday, 8 January 2026, the NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, declared that the era of leniency is over. Achimugu conveyed the authority's position via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, expressing deep frustration with the recurring inefficiencies plaguing the industry.
"We will be pushing for stiffer penalties against domestic airlines for chronic delays," Achimugu stated unequivocally. He recounted how the regulator has historically defended operators, even facing public criticism on their behalf, but insisted that recent patterns of disruption are now inexcusable.
Call for Reciprocity and Improved Operations
Achimugu emphasized that given the substantial support provided to the aviation sector by the current administration, a marked improvement in service delivery is the minimum expectation. He specifically acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo.
While recognizing the challenging operating environment, the director pinpointed critical areas where airlines are failing passengers. "Immeasurable times, I have stressed the need for airlines to improve communication during flight delays and cancellations," he said. He also highlighted non-compliance with regulations concerning the provision of hotel accommodation (HOTAC) and immediate compensation for basic needs.
Following International Precedent and Enforcing Compliance
The NCAA director cited a powerful international example to justify the move towards stricter enforcement. He referenced a case where United States authorities fined JetBlue airline a hefty sum of $2 million for chronic flight delays, marking a precedent for such punitive action.
Achimugu directly linked poor information management and passenger handling by airlines to the increasing incidents of violence and unrest at airport terminals across Nigeria. He argued that proper adherence to communication protocols could mitigate these tensions.
In conclusion, Achimugu reaffirmed the NCAA's commitment to protecting all stakeholders. However, he announced that a regulatory review is imminent to strengthen the authority's power to enforce compliance, ensuring both operators and passengers are held to the stipulated standards. This signals a new, tougher phase of oversight for Nigeria's domestic aviation market.
