The Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, has voiced concerns over the escalating rate of flight disruptions across the country.
Addressing the issue during the Airlines-NCAA engagement on Friday, Najomo revealed that no fewer than 190 flights were canceled within a two-month period.
According to him, data from September 2024 showed that out of 5,291 flights, 2,434 experienced delays, and 79 were canceled.
The situation worsened in October 2024, with 2,791 delays and 111 cancellations recorded out of 5,513 flights.
“Delays and cancellations are sometimes inevitable, but poor management of these disruptions is not,” Najomo remarked.
“It is 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,” he added.
He further reminded airlines of their obligations under the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023, emphasizing that compliance is mandatory.
Najomo disclosed that calls from the presidency and members of the National Assembly about unruly behavior at airports, often linked to flight disruptions, had become increasingly frequent.
He described the incidents as a national embarrassment and vowed to address the issue decisively.
“The unruly behavior of some passengers is fast becoming very disturbing,” he noted. “I am getting calls from the presidency and even the National Assembly. This unruly behavior is not good for our image as a country, and we are resolute in putting a stop to it.”
To tackle the issue, Najomo promised to hold discussions with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria to develop a comprehensive strategy for addressing flight disruptions and restoring order at airports.
Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, also expressed concern over passengers’ unruly conduct, emphasizing the need for better communication between airlines, the NCAA, and FAAN.
“I have continued to harp on communication and engagement with the NCAA, FAAN, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria,” Kuku stated. “We have continued to tell the passengers to ensure that they provide their email addresses to the airlines so they can get information. But if you act like a criminal within the terminal building, you would be treated as one.”
While acknowledging the frustrations faced by passengers, Kuku stressed that inappropriate behaviour toward airline staff or airport authorities would not be tolerated.
“We understand the plight of passengers,” she said, “but to start behaving in a manner that is demeaning to airline staff or the airport, we would prosecute or even put you on a no-flight list.”
The aviation leaders agreed that violence is not the answer and urged passengers to exercise restraint as efforts to improve service delivery and address flight disruptions continue.
