The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned air travellers to prepare for possible flight delays and cancellations as the rainy season sets in, citing adverse weather conditions that could disrupt airline operations nationwide.
Speaking with aviation journalists in Lagos, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mike Achimugu, said although flight disruptions had declined compared to the last quarter of 2025, seasonal weather patterns may reverse recent gains.
He cautioned that while the industry has recorded improved operational stability in recent months, the onset of heavy rains traditionally poses significant challenges to flight schedules, including delays and cancellations.
Despite the concerns, Achimugu expressed optimism about the sector’s outlook in 2026, noting that the expected arrival of newly acquired aircraft by domestic airlines could strengthen capacity and improve service reliability.
He also referenced outcomes from the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS), convened by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, where local carriers secured agreements aimed at expanding their fleets.
On the lingering controversy over airfare increases during the Yuletide season, Achimugu disclosed that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has yet to submit its findings to the NCAA.
He maintained his earlier position that the surge in ticket prices during the festive period could not be solely attributed to government-imposed taxes, contrary to claims by some airlines.
Achimugu also highlighted ongoing communication gaps between airlines and passengers, stressing that inadequate information sharing often fuels frustration among travellers during disruptions.
According to him, airlines must improve transparency and provide timely updates to passengers, particularly during operational challenges caused by weather or technical issues.
He added that more passengers are now utilising the NCAA’s complaint portal to seek redress, although some still face difficulties navigating the platform. To address this, the regulator continues to provide alternative channels, including email and social media platforms, to handle consumer complaints.
The NCAA reiterated its commitment to supporting airlines through public awareness campaigns but emphasised that operators must take greater responsibility for customer engagement and service delivery.
