Nigeria’s unacceptable flight delays

On September 13, 2026, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) released disturbing statistics on the prevalence of domestic flight delays. Out of 7,961 domestic flights operated in August 2026, 4,765 (59.9%) were delayed, 36 (0.45%) were cancelled, and a mere 40% met on-time performance. Of the 4,765 delayed flights, 2,801 endured delays ranging from 16 minutes to 1 hour, 1,322 experienced delays between 1 to 2 hours, 642 faced delays exceeding 2 hours (407 lasting 2 to 3 hours), and 235 were delayed for 3 hours or more.

Major airlines, United Nigeria Airlines (76.6% delay rate), Air Peace (71.4%), Enugu Air, Arik Air, Max Air, Overland, and ValueJet all recorded delay rates above 50%. This pattern of delays is not a recent phenomenon. In 2024, domestic operations recorded 33,235 delayed flights with 1,189 cancellations, while in 2025, 45,320 delays and 5,480 cancellations were recorded from 87,650 flights.

These figures fall far short of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) target of 70% on-time performance and the U.S. Department of Transport's within-15-minutes standard. For Nigerian travelers, these delays have evolved from minor inconveniences to distressing experiences, leading to missed business meetings, medical appointments, lateness, and even complete event absence.

The systemic delays have had far-reaching consequences for passengers, airlines, the economy, and Nigeria's standing in aviation ratings. Airline representatives have contested the NCAA's figures, disputing data accuracy and attributing causes to internal operational issues rather than systemic challenges. However, the NCAA maintains that poor airline accountability is at the root of these disruptions.

The Daily Trust believes that airlines should stop last-minute cancellations or delays and provide compensation or rebooking support when such occurrences do happen. They urge airlines and aviation agencies to prioritize passenger comfort and safety, implementing measures such as accommodation, meal vouchers, and full respect for the flying public.

The Daily Trust calls for a systemic fix to flight delays, emphasizing the need for improved aviation infrastructure, modern navigational aids, weather forecasting equipment, and skilled personnel. They insist on the NCAA leading coordinated action among regulators, airport operators, airspace managers, and airlines to resolve recurring aviation challenges through sustained investment and joint accountability.

The organization demands that Nigeria's aviation authorities bring down unacceptable flight delay rates and ensure the implementation of passenger protections outlined in Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2023 (Consumer Protection), including a 24-hour advance notice for flight rescheduling and provision of free refreshments, snacks, meals, hotel accommodation, airport-hotel transport, and communication means, scaled to the disruption.