41 Int’l, Local airlines recorded 19,323 cases, cancelled 348 flights in six months

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said that a total of 41 International and local  airlines recorded  21,766 cases of delayed flights and 443 cancelled flights in first six months of this year. The Director-General of NCAA, Engr. Muhtar Usman, made the disclosure at an Interactive Forum with Aviation Agencies and Airlines’ Information Managers in Lagos. Breaking down the figures from January to June, 2018, Usman said, “The eight domestic airlines recorded a total of 16,880 delayed flights with 253 cancellations.

“Also, 33 airlines on the international routes recorded 2,443 delayed flights and cancelled 95 flights.’’ According to him, “Flights can be delayed or cancelled for safety and operational reasons, especially during adverse weather conditions, but they must be done in accordance with standard civil aviation regulations.” He said all airlines had been warned against incessant flight delays and cancellations. The DG said aviation authorities were also working toward creating a more enabling environment for their operations. He said NCAA had also intensified its economic and safety regulations on the airlines in line with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation Act.

Mr Usman said: “Airlines must render their monthly financial obligations in line with the provision of aviation regulations. Airlines must submit financial health returns. Also, violation to safety regulations is viewed seriously by NCAA.” The director-general said NCAA had begun the process of streamlining aviation charge, saying that the charges were quite moderate when compared to other countries. “There are some existing charges in other countries that are not applicable in Nigeria and this is not to overburden airlines,’’ Mr Usman said. He said the goal of NCAA was to continue to collaborate with other agencies and stakeholders in order to create a robust aviation industry that could contribute more to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).