Air Peace, Aero Contractors and Arik Air are top airlines with high numbers of delays and cancellations as Reps order sanctions
The House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Aviation to impose sanctions on airlines over persistent flight delays and cancellations, urging stricter enforcement of passenger protection regulations.
During Thursday’s plenary session, lawmakers also directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure strict adherence to the Civil Aviation Act 2022 and Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Regulations, 2023, which govern airline liabilities for flight disruptions.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Victor Obuzor (PDP Rivers), who cited alarming statistics on flight delays across multiple airlines, emphasizing the need for tougher regulatory measures to curb inefficiencies in the aviation sector.
Startling Statistics on Flight Delays
Presenting his motion, Obuzor highlighted data reflecting high delay rates among domestic airlines. According to his figures:
- Air Peace recorded 5,350 delays out of 11,111 flights
- Aero Contractors had 740 delays in 1,992 flights
- Arik Air experienced 1,378 delays in 2,331 flights
- Dana Air recorded 999 delays in 1,446 flights
- Overland Airways had 696 delays in 1,227 flights
- Max Air reported 1,247 delays in 2,297 flights
Other airlines were similarly affected, with Ibom Air reporting 1,508 delays in 3,879 flights, United Nigeria Airlines recording 2,439 delays out of 3,912 flights, and Green Africa facing 836 delays in 2,368 flights. Azman Air, which operated 145 flights, recorded 76 delays.
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Obuzor described the trend as unacceptable, noting that flight delays and cancellations cause significant economic losses to individuals and businesses.
Airline Obligations and Passenger Rights
The lawmaker reminded the House that Nigerian aviation laws impose liability on airlines for flight delays and baggage mishandling. The Civil Aviation Act 2022 and CARS 2023 outline specific obligations airlines must fulfill when delays occur.
“Air carriers are generally liable for damages caused by delays unless they can prove that all reasonable measures were taken to prevent the situation or that it was beyond their control,” Rep. Obuzor stated.
He further explained that airlines must inform passengers of delays within 30 minutes of a flight’s scheduled departure. Additionally, passengers are entitled to specific compensations depending on the length of the delay:
- After two hours: Airlines must provide refreshments, two free phone calls, SMS messages, or emails.
- Beyond three hours: Passengers must be offered the option of a full refund or re-routing on the next available flight.
- For delays between 10pm and 4am: Airlines must provide hotel accommodation and transport if the departure airport or final destination is closed.
- Refunds for canceled flights must be issued immediately if requested in cash, while electronic or cheque payments must be completed within 14 days.
Legislative Response
Following a voice vote presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (APC Kaduna), the motion was unanimously adopted. The House also mandated its Committee on Federal Competition and Consumer Protection to ensure airlines comply with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, safeguarding passengers’ rights and enforcing consumer protection standards.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of Ahaoda West/Ogba Egbema federal constituency, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Rep. Obuzor throughout the 10th House here
