Flight delays and cancellations in Nigeria’s aviation sector have declined compared to the last quarter of 2025, but passengers should expect fresh disruptions as the rainy season approaches, according to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Speaking in Lagos, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, described recent performance figures as “encouraging,” noting that a post-festive drop in passenger traffic has contributed to improved operations.
“The numbers are impressive and encouraging… the disruptions have improved compared to the last quarter of last year,” he said.
However, Achimugu cautioned that seasonal weather conditions could reverse some of these gains.
“We are entering the rainy season, so there is an expectation that there will be disruptions,” he added, recounting his own experience of multiple delays and a cancellation while travelling.
The NCAA official attributed flight disruptions to a range of operational challenges but expressed optimism about future improvements, citing outcomes from the recent Aircraft Acquisition Summit hosted by the Minister of Aviation.
According to him, new aircraft acquisitions and signed deals are expected to strengthen airline capacity and reliability.
“I think 2026 is going to be a better year for aviation in Nigeria as more aircraft are coming in,” he said.
On passenger complaints, Achimugu said travellers are increasingly using the NCAA’s complaint portal, although some still face challenges navigating the system.
He noted that alternative channels such as email and social media remain active for consumer engagement.
Addressing allegations by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission that some airlines engaged in price fixing, Achimugu said his office had not received the commission’s report and therefore could not comment on its findings.
He reiterated his earlier position rejecting claims by some operators that rising airfares were primarily driven by taxes.
“I disagreed with that position in December, and I still stand by that,” he said.
Achimugu also highlighted a communication gap between airlines and passengers, stressing the need for better public awareness of operational realities in the sector.
He called for stronger collaboration between airlines and the NCAA to educate travellers on the causes of disruptions and industry challenges.
“There is always a gap between what is happening in reality and what passengers understand. Airlines need to do more to inform and educate the public,” he said.
He added that while the NCAA has continued to support airlines by disseminating information, operators also have a responsibility to engage passengers through their own communication channels.
