NCAA Expresses Worry Over 190 Flights Cancelled In Two Months

The acting Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo, has revealed that no less than 190 flights were cancelled within two months.

This is even as he expressed concerns over the increasing rate of flight cancellations in the country.

The acting DG revealed this at the Airlines-NCAA engagement event on Friday over the spate of flight disruptions in the country.

Najomo disclosed that out of 5291 flights operated in September 2024; 2434 were delayed while 79 were cancelled.

“Our flight operations data record indicates that in September 2024; 5291 domestic flights were operated with 2434 delays and 79 cancellations. In October 2024; 5513 flights were operated with 2791 delays and 111 cancellations recorded,” he noted.

He further added that out of 5513 flights operated in October 2024; 2791 were delayed while 111 flights were cancelled.

“Delays and cancellations are sometimes inevitable, but poor management of these disruptions is not. It’s the responsibility of airlines to ensure that every disruption, whether due to operational, technical or weather-related challenges, is handled with the utmost professionalism and regard for passengers’ rights, particularly as we are in the harmattan season with poor weather conditions that will affect flight operations.”

“I must remind all operators of the NCAA Regulations on Passenger Rights during disruptions, as outlined in the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023 (that) these regulations are not optional; they are mandatory obligations.”

There have been complaints by Nigerians on the spate of cancellations and flight delays in the country, leading the anger among Nigerians on the impact of this.