Will NCAA's Stiffer Penalties Finally End Chronic Flight Delays for Nigerian Airlines?

January 9, 2026 at 06:30 PM•3 min read

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is planning to impose tougher sanctions on domestic airlines to address chronic flight delays and poor passenger handling across the country.

Key Points

1The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is planning to implement stiffer penalties for domestic airlines over chronic flight delays and poor passenger handling.
2NCAA's Director of Public Affairs referenced the $2 million fine against JetBlue in the US as a precedent for the level of accountability desired.
3Q3 2025 data shows 765 delayed flights among domestic carriers, with Air Peace recording the highest delay rate at 6.87%.
4The regulatory review focuses on strengthening enforcement powers and mandating compliance with passenger welfare regulations like HOTAC and First Needs Compensation.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced a major regulatory shift. They plan to introduce stiffer penalties for airlines over chronic flight delays. This move targets recurrent inefficiency among domestic airlines Nigeria. The regulator seeks to strengthen its enforcement framework. This ensures better protection for the flying public.

Regulatory Shift for Nigerian Air Travel

Michael Achimugu, NCAA Director of Public Affairs, confirmed the plan. He stated the NCAA is pushing for heavier ramifications. This is for operators showing recurrent inefficiency. The authority previously supported local carriers. However, recent lapses are now deemed inexcusable. The goal is improved operational standards.

Focus on Passenger Rights

The aviation regulatory action specifically addresses poor passenger handling. Airlines must improve communication during disruptions. Poor information management often causes unrest at terminals. The NCAA demands compliance with existing consumer protection regulations. This includes providing Hotel Accommodation (HOTAC). It also covers First Needs Compensation during long delays. The NCAA is reviewing its powers. They aim for stronger authority to enforce compliance.

Data Driving the Change

Despite overall industry support, delays persist. The NCAA released Q3 2025 performance data. This data covers July through September 2025. Domestic airlines operated 17,731 flights in the period. This was an increase from 15,989 flights in Q3 2024.

Total delayed flights fell to 765 in Q3 2025. This is down from 843 delays in Q3 2024.
Total cancellations also dropped significantly to 80 flights. This compares to 251 cancellations a year prior.

However, chronic delays remain a key issue. Air Peace recorded the highest delay rate. Their rate was 6.87% for the quarter. United Nigeria Airlines and Max Air led in cancellations. This highlights a need for better airline operational efficiency.

International Precedent and Industry Impact

The regulator cited an international example. The US authorities fined JetBlue Airways $2 million. This was for chronic delayed flights. The NCAA views this as a model for accountability. The new policy will increase financial risk for operators. Airlines must reassess scheduling practices. They must avoid selling routes they cannot reliably operate. The move signals a shift toward stricter global standards, which are often championed by organizations like IATA.

This regulatory push is vital for Nigerian air travel. It aims to restore passenger confidence. The NCAA encourages passengers to report violations. This data will support applying future sanctions. The goal is to align Nigeria’s aviation sector with international best practices. The EASA also emphasizes strong consumer protection. For more commercial aviation news, readers can follow industry reports.