NCAA Bars 11 Airlines From Regulatory Services Over Alleged Debts

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has suspended regulatory services to 11 domestic airlines under a “No-Pay-No-Service” directive over alleged outstanding debts owed to the agency.

Among the affected carriers are Air Peace, Ibom Air, ValueJet, Arik Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Max Air, Overland Airways and Rano Air.

Others listed in the directive include Umza Air, NG Eagle and Caverton Helicopters.

The directive, dated May 22, 2026, was issued by the NCAA’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya, and circulated to several directorates and regional offices of the authority.

According to the memo, no service should be rendered to the affected airlines without clearance from the finance department.

“The DGCA has directed that no directorate should render any service to the above airlines without financial clearance from the Director of Finance & Accounts,” the memo stated.

Although the NCAA did not officially disclose the reason for the action, industry sources linked the move to unpaid financial obligations owed by the airlines to the regulator.

Aviation expert Alex Nwuba described the development as a pressure tactic aimed at compelling the airlines to engage with the regulator, rather than an attempt to halt operations.

He warned that strict enforcement of the directive could disrupt key regulatory procedures, including licence renewals for pilots and engineers, potentially affecting airline operations.

Nwuba also questioned the timing of the sanctions, noting that major operators such as Air Peace and Ibom Air play significant roles in Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector.

He urged the NCAA to adopt a more collaborative approach while strengthening oversight mechanisms to prevent debt accumulation within the industry.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for United Nigeria Airlines, Chibuike Oluka, confirmed that the airline’s management was in discussions with the NCAA and said updates would be provided after the meeting.

None of the other affected airlines had issued official statements as of the time of filing the report.