The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a 98.4% decrease in flight cancellations for 2025 third quarter compared to the given percentage in 2024.Flight delays have also decreased by 9.25%.
On its X account, the authority disclosed that from July to September 2024, the total number of cancelled flights is 251 out of 15,989 operated flights which amounts to 7.53% while in 2025, the total number of cancelled flights is 80 out of 17,731 which amounts to 0.12%.
From July to September 2024, the total number of delayed flights stands at 843 which amounts to 25.29% while in 2025, 765 were delayed, amounting to 22.95%.
Recently, NCAA summoned 13 domestic airlines to an emergency meeting over the mounting disruptions caused by widespread flight delays and cancellations across the country.
The NCAA has linked much of this unrest to airlines failing to comply with aviation standards, while also acknowledging that some passengers act out of ignorance of existing rules.
Michael Achimugu , the NCAA Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection has been actively pushing aviation operators to comply with Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Regulations (Part 19), which govern passenger rights when flights are delayed or canceled. This includes enforcing timelines for refunds and other passenger protections.
He has reminded airlines that refunds must be processed within 14 days, discouraging longer timelines often miscommunicated to passengers.He has also publicised enforcement actions and sanctions against airlines that violate consumer protection rules including delays, cancellations, and poor service.
Achimugu has used media engagements and official channels to raise awareness of passengers’ rights in the event of flight disruptions. This includes clarifying when compensation is due and under what circumstances airlines must provide care like hotel accommodation.
He emphasised that airlines must provide hotel accommodation for passengers stranded overnight due to cancellations or extended delays.
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