The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially placed domestic airline operators on notice, warning that persistent flight delays and cancellations will soon attract tougher penalties and broader regulatory consequences.
The warning follows growing public frustration over declining service standards in the aviation sector.
While reaffirming the Federal Government’s continued support for the industry, the regulator stressed that passenger mistreatment will no longer be tolerated.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 9, 2026, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the authority is moving toward “stiffer ramifications” for airlines with poor operational performance.
Although acknowledging that some disruptions stem from factors beyond airline control, such as weather conditions and infrastructure constraints, Achimugu emphasized that carriers have consistently failed in their responsibility to properly inform and care for affected passengers.
“There is a need for airlines to significantly improve communication during flight disruptions,” he said, adding that the government’s support for the sector must be matched with better service delivery and accountability.
The regulator’s warning comes on the heels of a viral social media complaint by actress and filmmaker Bolaji Ogunmola, who was stranded at Ekiti State Airport for more than 24 hours.
Her ordeal has since amplified national conversations about the financial losses and emotional strain caused by unreliable domestic flight operations.
The NCAA’s latest position signals a shift toward stricter enforcement, with heavier fines expected to serve as a deterrent to erring operators.
As the authority prepares to implement these tougher measures, aviation analysts say airlines may need to reassess fleet availability and scheduling practices to avoid selling routes they cannot reliably operate.
The NCAA has also encouraged passengers to continue reporting service failures through its consumer protection channels, noting that such reports will play a key role in applying data-driven sanctions across the industry.
