Civil Aviation Authority to Sanction Airlines Over Flight Disruptions

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to begin publicly naming and shaming airlines that fail to comply with aviation regulations, particularly in cases of flight cancellations and delays.

In a statement shared on Monday via his X handle, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu stressed that passengers stranded between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. due to cancelled or delayed flights are legally entitled to hotel accommodation at the expense of the airline.

The decision marks a tougher stance by the NCAA to enhance accountability and protect passenger rights amid repeated complaints and rising incidents of airport violence linked to airlines’ lapses. The Authority noted that in many cases, airline staff abandon passengers during disruptions, leaving NCAA Consumer Protection Officers to manage tense situations alone.

Achimugu warned that such practices would no longer be tolerated, insisting that airlines must uphold industry standards despite the challenges of operating in Nigeria. He further criticised airlines for exposing NCAA staff to unnecessary risks, reaffirming that the Authority will strictly enforce its regulations and apply sanctions where necessary.

Citing directives from the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA confirmed that its “naming and shaming” strategy will commence immediately as part of broader efforts to improve service delivery and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.