The number of domestic flight delays saw a decrease to 33,235, a 29.51 per cent drop from 2022, but cancellations hit a four-year high
Despite post-COVID recovery, Nigeria’s domestic aviation industry continues to struggle with reliability, as Daily Sun’s analysis of NCAA data from 2021–2024 reveals persistent flight disruptions. In 2024, delays dropped to 33,235 — a 29.51% decrease from 2022. However, cancellations surged to 1,189, a 119.37% increase from 2021. Air Peace and Arik Air recorded the most disruptions.
Conflicting data between airlines and the NCAA raised industry concerns. For instance, Green Africa’s August report showed 53 delays, while NCAA recorded 101. “We operated 453 flights,” Green Africa stated on X, contradicting NCAA’s 416 figure.
Passenger dissatisfaction has prompted the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Unit to boost awareness of compensation rights under Nig. CARs 2023. Passengers are entitled to refreshments after two-hour delays and compensation after six hours.
While international travel grew in 2024, domestic passenger numbers fell by over 10%, signaling affordability concerns. Overall, the aviation sector remains burdened by operational inefficiencies and accountability disputes.