Nigeria's Aviation Authority Warns of Flight Disruptions as Rainy Season Begins
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned air travellers to expect possible flight delays and cancellations as the rainy season gets under way across Nigeria. Speaking on the sidelines of Ethiopian Airlines' 80th anniversary celebration in Lagos, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Mike Achimugu acknowledged improved on-time performance in recent months but warned that heavy rains, thunderstorms, and poor visibility are likely to test those gains. He noted that disruption levels had already improved compared to the final quarter of 2025, but that seasonal weather conditions would introduce new operational challenges for airlines in the coming months.
Despite the near-term headwinds, the NCAA expressed optimism about the broader aviation outlook for 2026, pointing to fleet expansion commitments secured by domestic airlines at the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS) as a positive indicator for improved service reliability. Achimugu also raised concerns about persistent communication gaps between airlines and passengers, urging operators to be more transparent and proactive in informing travellers about disruptions. On allegations of airfare price-fixing raised by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), he noted that no formal report had been submitted to his office. The NCAA additionally confirmed that passenger use of its complaint portal is growing, with email and social media channels also available to address accessibility issues.
Source: Daily Trust