Aviation regulator warns there will be “no sentiments or sacred cows” as it orders airlines with grounded aircraft to cut operations rather than strand passengers.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Nigeria’s aviation regulator has warned domestic airlines of tougher sanctions for breaching operational and passenger protection rules, declaring that no carrier will be spared enforcement.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said airlines experiencing Aircraft-On-Ground (AOG) situations must reduce their operations rather than continue selling tickets beyond their capacity and leave passengers stranded or facing prolonged delays.

The warning was issued by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, in a post on his verified X handle on Wednesday.

Achimugu said the authority would intensify enforcement against airlines that fail to comply with prescribed operational and consumer protection requirements, stressing that there would be “no sentiments or sacred cows” in enforcing aviation regulations.

He specifically directed airlines with grounded aircraft to adjust their schedules and capacity to reflect their available fleet, rather than continue selling tickets they may be unable to honour.

The regulator also reminded airlines of mandatory passenger welfare obligations when flights are delayed.

Passengers affected by delays of two hours must be provided with light refreshments, while those facing delays of six hours are entitled to a proper meal, according to the NCAA.

Where a delay extends until 10pm, affected passengers should also be provided accommodation, except where the passenger resides in the affected city and applicable conditions are met.

The warning comes amid recent disruptions affecting some domestic flight operations, including those of Air Peace, which has attributed delays and cancellations to a combination of operational and external factors.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Air Peace Chief Operating Officer Oluwatoyin Olajide apologised to affected passengers and said the airline regretted the frustration and inconvenience caused by the disruptions.

Olajide said one aircraft had been grounded following an inadvertent false fire alarm, while another was taken out of service for several days after suffering a bird strike.

The airline also cited adverse weather conditions, which it said resulted in diversions, delays and, in some cases, cancellations across its operations.

Technical issues requiring mandatory checks and maintenance, as well as delays in the availability of aviation fuel in some instances, were also identified as contributing factors.

Olajide said some of the circumstances were beyond the airline’s immediate control but acknowledged their impact on passengers and said steps were being taken to minimise the disruption.

Air Peace maintained that safety remained its priority, stressing that it would not release an aircraft for service until its technical teams and relevant safety procedures had established that it was fit to fly.

The NCAA’s latest warning places renewed emphasis on airlines’ responsibility to align their operations with available aircraft and to meet passenger welfare obligations when disruptions occur.