Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Friday, expressed dissatisfaction over the rise in flight delays and cancellations, saying at least 180 flights were cancelled between September and October.

Acting Director-General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, spoke at a meeting he held in Lagos with airline Chief Executive Officers.

Najomo lamented the poor management of these disruptions by airlines, saying out of 5,291 flights operated in September 2024, 2,434 were delayed while 79 were cancelled.

He also said out of 5,513 flights operated in October 2024, 2,791 were delayed while 111 flights were cancelled, warning that noncompliance with passenger rights during disruptions, as outlined in the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023 would no longer be tolerated.

His words: “Today, I wish to address a matter of increasing concern to our industry. Flight disruptions, delays and significant change to schedules and cancellations in Nigeria; this issue has far-reaching implications for passengers, businesses, the credibility of the aviation industry and National development as a whole.

“Delays and cancellations are sometimes inevitable, but poor management of these disruptions is not. It’s the responsibility of airlines to ensure that every disruption, whether due to operational, technical or weather-related challenges, is handled with the utmost professionalism and regard for passengers’ rights, particularly as we are in the harmattan season with poor weather conditions that will affect flight operations.

“Our flight operations data record indicates that in September 2024, 5,291 domestic flights were operated with 2,434 delays and 79 cancellations. In October 2024, 5,513 flights were operated with 2,791 delays and 111 cancellations recorded.

“I must remind all operators of the NCAA Regulations on Passenger Rights during disruptions, as outlined in the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023 (that) these regulations are not optional; they are mandatory obligations.

“Regulations equally state that accommodation, refreshments, and alternative travel arrangements are offered when disruptions exceed the acceptable limits, reiterating that adequate compensation is provided where applicable. I have instructed my team to monitor and enforce compliance and apply sanctions. My team has engaged the industry in the last year by organizing awareness, sensitization and training sessions for the airlines and the association of travel agents to re-educate them on the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations and airline obligations to passengers in the event of disruptions.”