NCAA summons Airline CEOs to emergency meeting amid festive flight disruptions

Amid mounting frustration over persistent flight delays and cancellations during the festive season, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called an emergency meeting with the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of domestic airlines.

The meeting, spearheaded by NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo, is scheduled for today, Friday, December 27, 2024, at the NCAA Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

This urgent dialogue comes in response to public outrage and aims to address operational inefficiencies plaguing the aviation sector.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, announced the meeting via his X platform late Thursday.

He emphasized that Capt. Najomo is cutting short a critical assignment to attend, demonstrating the Authority’s commitment to resolving the crisis.

“This meeting underscores that the NCAA genuinely cares about passengers and is determined to tackle these issues head-on,” Achimugu stated.

Flight delays and cancellations have surged in recent months, especially during the festive season, leaving passengers stranded and prompting widespread criticism on social media.

Many passengers have accused airlines of citing questionable excuses, including unfavorable weather, to justify disruptions.

In response to the uproar, Capt. Najomo has requested daily weather reports from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) to independently verify airline claims.

“I’ve asked NiMET to send weather updates directly to my office. This will help us quickly determine if an airline is being truthful about weather-related disruptions,” Najomo said in a statement.

READ ALSO: Witness testifies against ex-aviation minister Hadi Sirika in alleged N2.7bn fraud case

The NCAA recently announced plans to take enforcement actions against five airlines for failing to adhere to consumer protection guidelines.

Advertisement

Achimugu noted that this marks the first time in over a decade that the Consumer Protection Department is actively sanctioning airlines for such violations.

“We’ve taken significant steps to hold airlines accountable. This is part of our broader commitment to improving service delivery in the aviation sector,” Achimugu added.

Achimugu acknowledged that not all disruptions are the fault of airlines, highlighting systemic issues such as inadequate airport infrastructure and limited capacity. However, he praised the efforts of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo in addressing these challenges.

“Minister Keyamo has resolved long-standing capacity problems that crippled the industry. His focus now is on calibrating sunset airports with instrument landing systems, ensuring airlines can operate safely after dark,” Achimugu said.

He added that while the aviation industry has seen significant progress under the minister’s leadership, more time is needed to achieve perfection.

The emergency meeting will serve as a platform for the NCAA and airline executives to address operational inefficiencies, explore holistic solutions, and rebuild public trust in the aviation industry.

As Nigeria’s aviation industry faces public scrutiny, today’s meeting represents a critical step toward addressing passenger grievances and fostering accountability among airlines.

While challenges remain, the NCAA’s proactive approach signals a renewed commitment to restoring confidence in the sector and ensuring a smoother travel experience for Nigerians.