The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority warned of possible disruptions in flight operations despite recent improvements recorded by domestic airlines, which means air travellers across Nigeria may soon have to adjust their schedules and expectations as the rainy season sets in.
The caution, coming at a time when many passengers are beginning to enjoy better on-time departures and arrivals, reflects the delicate balance between operational gains and the realities of seasonal weather conditions.
Speaking with aviation journalists recently in Lagos, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, acknowledged that while there has been noticeable progress in airline performance, the coming months may test that stability.
He said, “The numbers are impressive and encouraging, especially because immediately after the festive period, there was a drop in the number of passengers. The number of disruptions I just checked last week has improved compared to the last quarter of last year.”
Achimugu also warned that weather-related disruptions remain an unavoidable part of aviation operations.
He said, “However, we are entering the rainy season, so there’s an expectation that there will be disruptions.
“Coming here today, I experienced a disruption. I had to book three flights to get here today. There was a cancellation, a lengthy delay and then a slight delay before I finally got here. So, these things are to be expected. Take note that there are other factors that cause these disruptions.”
Achimugu stressed possible fleet expansion by domestic airlines, noting that new aircraft expected from recent deals could help improve reliability and reduce operational bottlenecks.
Earlier in the month, industry stakeholders gathered at the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit, convened by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, where consensus was reached on measures to boost airline capacity.
Beyond weather and fleet challenges, the NCAA also addressed ongoing concerns around airfare pricing, particularly allegations of price-fixing raised by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
Achimugu clarified that his office had not received any formal report on the matter but maintained his earlier stance on the controversial fare increases witnessed during the Yuletide.
“Well, the FCCPC did not submit their report to my office. So, I don’t know what they found out. All I know is that in December, I disagreed with the reason for the hike in airfares as stated by some operators. You know, they alleged that it was due to taxes. I didn’t agree with that, and I still stand by that position,” he said.
For many passengers, however, the issue goes beyond pricing, but rather shows the gap in communication or the lack of it.
He noted, “Delayed announcements, sudden cancellations, and limited updates from airlines often leave travellers stranded and frustrated at terminals.
“Another challenge is letting the passengers know because there’s always a gap between what is happening in the real sense of it, what the airlines are going through and what the passengers understand.”
He added that more passengers are beginning to utilise the NCAA’s complaint portal to seek redress, although some still encounter difficulties navigating the platform. To bridge this, the authority continues to provide alternative channels, including emails and social media platforms, to ensure complaints are addressed.
