Flight delays: Nigerian Govt weighs sanctions on Air Peace, others

The Nigerian government is considering sanctions against Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines and other airlines due to persistent flight delays. According to a report by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), 4,765 out of 7,961 flights scheduled in August 2026 were delayed, indicating that nearly half of the flights did not operate as planned.

Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines had the highest number of delays, with 71% and 76% of their flights, respectively, being delayed. NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated that the authority has met with the airlines and issued warnings, but urged passengers to use alternative airlines.

Aviation industry expert, Capt. John Ojikutu, attributed the delays to weak enforcement of aviation regulations and poor business planning by airlines. He also suggested that airlines should consider less congested routes and smaller aircraft to reduce pressure on major routes.