The Nigerian aviation industry witnessed an alarming upward thrust in flight disruptions in 2024, marking the best seemingly number of delays and cancellations in the nation’s historical past. According to a list launched by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), simply about half of of all domestic flights and over a third of international flights experienced delays.
Air Peace emerged as the airline with the most disruptions, leading in both delayed and canceled flights. The list indicates that out of 15,413 flights operated by Air Peace, 7,619 had been delayed, translating to only about 50% of its total operations.
In addition, the airline canceled 333 flights, making it the worst performer in this class as effectively.
Home airlines war to remain on time desk
Air Peace turned into as soon as no longer the finest airline grappling with punctuality problems. Arik Air recorded 5,027 delayed flights out of 10,699 total flights, while United Airlines (operating in Nigeria) had 4,559 delays from 7,794 flights.
The discipline raises issues about the reliability of domestic airlines and the growing frustration among passengers.
International airlines additionally affected
Flight disruptions had been no longer restricted to domestic carriers. Rather a lot of international airlines struggled with delays, with some recording worrying statistics.
- Price Jet experienced delays on 100% of its international flights, the worst performance among international carriers.
- Delta Airlines delayed 60% of its flights (235 out of 390) and canceled 9 flights.
- Uganda Airlines had a 57% extend fee (96 out of 168 flights).
- Saudi Air recorded a 16% extend fee (19 out of 121 flights).
- Virgin Atlantic fared a miniature better, with accurate 8% of its flights delayed (26 out of 362) and finest one cancellation.
A worsening trend
Overall, the NCAA reported that out of 70,543 domestic flights operated in Nigeria in 2024, a staggering 33,235 had been delayed, while 1,189 had been canceled. On the international entrance, out of 14,359 flights, 4,426 had been delayed, and 131 had been canceled.
In response to the growing issues, the Nigerian Ministry of Aviation announced plans to begin publishing weekly updates on airline punctuality, hoping to increase accountability and push airlines to strengthen their operations.
The rising number of flight disruptions has left passengers stranded, pissed off, and financially pressured. Delays and cancellations no longer finest have an effect on streak plans nonetheless additionally consequence in uncared for business opportunities, family occasions, and further charges for accommodation and rebooking.
Aviation consultants contain called for stricter regulations to maintain airlines accountable. Some contain suggested increased penalties for unsightly delays, improved customer carrier policies, and further transparency in how airlines be in contact disruptions.
What’s next?
With the NCAA taking a more challenging stance on airline performance, vacationers can finest hope for enhancements in the coming years. Nonetheless, if airlines finish no longer intention halt proactive steps to handle these disruptions, Nigeria’s aviation sector risks further reputational injury.
For now, passengers are informed to remain informed, take a look at airline performance experiences ahead of booking flights, and prepare for that you just may per chance most definitely well think of delays when traveling in and out of Nigeria.
