NCAA warns United Nigeria Airlines over fleet capacity, passenger disruptions

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned United Nigeria Airlines against expanding or maintaining flight operations beyond its available fleet capacity, saying such practices could expose passengers to avoidable delays, cancellations and hardship.

The warning followed recent operational disruptions attributed to the airline, which reportedly left passengers stranded without adequate communication or assistance.

The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, issued the warning on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, during a consultative meeting with the management of United Nigeria Airlines at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

Najomo directed the airline to improve its operational efficiency, comply strictly with passenger-rights regulations and ensure that its route network remains within the capacity of its available aircraft.

He stressed that the NCAA’s regulatory responsibilities were not designed to drive airlines out of business but to ensure that operators maintain sustainable, efficient and lawful services.

The regulator’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, expressed concern over what he described as a systematic failure by the airline to comply with operational and consumer-protection requirements under Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), 2023.

Achimugu particularly criticised the airline’s handling of passenger communications, including updates on flight delays and the processing of ticket refunds.

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He described the recent disruptions as “gross” and warned that the NCAA would no longer tolerate what he termed brazen disregard for regulatory requirements.

NCAA orders airlines to cut schedules during AOG

The NCAA Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff, directed United Nigeria Airlines to reduce its active routes whenever it experiences an Aircraft-On-Ground (AOG) situation.

He also cautioned the airline to comply with established regulatory procedures when introducing new destinations.

The directive is part of a broader NCAA position that airlines must align their schedules with the number of serviceable aircraft available to them.

Achimugu had earlier directed domestic carriers to reduce their flight schedules whenever technical problems ground aircraft, in order to minimise avoidable delays and cancellations.

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He said airlines with aircraft on the ground were expected to scale back operations rather than continue with schedules they could not adequately service.

According to him, passengers are entitled to specific welfare provisions when delays become prolonged.

He said passengers should receive light refreshments when a delay reaches two hours, while those affected by delays of six hours should be provided with a proper meal.

Where a delay extends until 10pm, he said accommodation should also be provided, except in circumstances where the passenger resides in the affected city, subject to applicable conditions.

United Nigeria promises refund resolution

Following the NCAA’s intervention, United Nigeria Airlines apologised and committed to resolving all outstanding ticket-refund cases within 14 days, in line with the prescribed refund timeline.

The development comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny of the domestic aviation industry over flight reliability, passenger welfare and airlines’ ability to sustain their published schedules.

Air Peace has also reportedly apologised to passengers affected by recent delays and cancellations across its operations.

The challenges confronting airlines come against the backdrop of rising operating costs in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Air Peace Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, had earlier disclosed that no Nigerian airline made $1 million in profit in 2025, attributing the weak margins to high aviation fuel costs, taxes and other industry charges.

Onyema said even Air Peace, described as Nigeria’s largest airline, did not achieve $1 million in profit during the year, questioning whether other domestic carriers were able to reach the same threshold.

The development highlights the difficult balance facing Nigerian airlines as they contend with high operating costs while regulators demand improved reliability, adequate capacity and stronger protection of passengers’ rights.