Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued stern warnings to airlines over spate of flight delays, crew shortages and other consumer-related infractions, urging them to align flight schedules with available aircraft and crew.
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, gave the admonition during separate interactive sessions with Air Peace and Max Air, held at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Capt. Najomo questioned the effectiveness of the buffer in view of recurring delays and cancellations being experienced, while acknowledging weather, diversions and airport restrictions as possible causes.
He underlined the need for contingency planning and effective passenger communication.
The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, said NCAA monitoring had revealed instances where passengers were left without adequate information or assistance.
He reminded Air Peace of its obligations to provide refreshments after two hours, meals after six hours, and accommodation, refunds and compensation where applicable.
He also raised concerns over flight merging and urged prompt responses to consumer complaints.
Responding, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Air Peace, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, disclosed that, while the airline had 20 aircraft – five Aircraft on Ground (AOG) and 15 serviceable – it deliberately operated 80 to 85 flights daily to maintain a buffer for disruptions.
Mrs Olajide attributed disruptions to technical issues, including bird-strike damage, component shortages and a cracked windshield, as well as weather and airport restrictions.
She maintained that Air Peace provided hotel accommodation and assistance to affected passengers.
At the Max Air session, the General Manager, Ground Operations/Business Development, Mr Raymond Omadiagbe, disclosed that, while three Boeing 737 aircraft were available for domestic operations, all serviceable, with only two being operated due to crew limitations, the international fleet comprises two Boeing 747s and one Boeing 777 undergoing checks.
Omadiagbe said Max Air had reduced its schedule to match available resources in addition to discontinuing late-night Kano operations following passenger feedback.
While identifying pilot retention as a major challenge by both airlines, the DGCA said the NCAA was supporting training-bond arrangements and considering measures to facilitate foreign crew validation, while stressing the importance of proper licence verification and simulator checks.
He promised that NCAA would continue supporting operators but expected realistic scheduling, strict regulatory compliance and improved passenger care.
Admitting that some disruptions may be beyond an airline’s control, he noted that effective planning, timely communication and mitigation remain the operator’s responsibility.
