Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Warns Airlines of Tougher Sanctions Post-Holidays

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has put airlines on notice. Tougher sanctions will follow the busy holiday season. These penalties target carriers that violate passenger protection rules.

Regulators are applying enforcement actions with caution now. This avoids disrupting travel during the busy yuletide period. However, the NCAA stressed that non-compliance will not be tolerated once peak travel subsides.

Strengthening Consumer Protection

Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the NCAA, confirmed the authority has significantly strengthened passenger rights enforcement over the last two years. This effort resulted in record levels of refunds, compensation payments, and hotel accommodations for affected travelers.

At least seven airlines have already been sanctioned for consumer protection breaches. The affected carriers include international operators like Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways. Domestic carriers Arik Air, Aero Contractors, and Air Peace were also sanctioned.

Nigeria is noted as one of the few countries where passengers often receive full refunds. Travelers are entitled to a refund if a flight delay exceeds two hours and they choose that option. Passengers may also receive compensation ranging from 25 to 50 per cent of their next ticket value, redeemable as cash.

Key Regulatory Details

These enforcement actions stem from Part 19 of the NCAA Part 19 Regulations 2023. These regulations cover key areas of passenger rights, including:

• Compensation for denied boarding.
• Assistance for flight delays and cancellations.
• Provisions for delayed or lost baggage.
• The right to care, including meals and communication.

Recent data highlights the operational challenges facing the sector. In September and October 2024, airlines operated 10,804 flights. Of these, 5,225 flights experienced delays, and 190 were canceled. The NCAA acknowledges that many disruptions are not directly caused by the airlines themselves.

Balancing Enforcement and Industry Stability

The regulator is adopting a balanced approach to its enforcement strategy. This is to avoid pushing financially strained airlines out of business. Excessive sanctions during peak periods could leave passengers stranded and worsen travel disruptions.

Achimugu noted that the industry’s operational capacity is a major factor in flight disruptions. The reliance on expensive wet-lease agreements has historically limited fleet expansion.

Operational Capacity Relief by 2026

Relief for the Nigerian aviation industry is anticipated from 2026. This is when airlines are expected to gain greater access to dry-leased aircraft. The government has implemented legal and administrative reforms, including the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA), to restore the trust of international lessors.

This move is expected to significantly reduce operational costs for Nigerian carriers. The NCAA projects that nine additional dry-leased aircraft will arrive by February 2026. This will help build airline operational capacity and reduce the frequency of flight disruptions. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.

Achimugu stressed that the enforcement of regulations is no longer in doubt. The NCAA remains committed to protecting passenger rights while supporting the long-term stability of the airline sector.