NCAA Attributes Flight Disruptions to Airline Capacity Issues

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has identified the lack of capacity among airlines as the primary cause of flight disruptions and cancellations in the country. According to the NCAA, the insufficient number of aircraft available for domestic flight operations has led to significant delays and cancellations, negatively impacting passengers and the aviation sector.

During a Civil Aviation Conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, highlighted the pressing issue of airline capacity. He explained that the country simply does not have enough planes to meet the demand for air travel. This problem has been acknowledged by both the Minister of Aviation and the Director-General of the NCAA, who emphasized that the industry must face the truth about these operational challenges.

However, there is hope on the horizon. Achimugu pointed to two key developments that could help resolve the capacity problem. The recent signing of the Practice Direction under the Cape Town Convention, as well as the revised advisory circular on Irrevocable De-Registration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA), are expected to facilitate easier access to aircraft for Nigerian airlines. These agreements will enable airlines to bring more planes into the country, potentially reducing the frequency of flight disruptions.

Achimugu expressed optimism that the availability of additional aircraft would not only reduce flight cancellations but also lead to lower airfares, ultimately boosting the nation’s economy. The inability of airlines to maintain regular schedules due to limited fleets often causes cascading delays throughout the day. With more planes in service, airlines would be better equipped to manage flight schedules, reducing passenger inconvenience and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

In addition to addressing the capacity issue, the NCAA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), is working on calibrating airports to further minimize flight disruptions and delays. These improvements are part of a broader effort to create a more reliable and efficient aviation sector in Nigeria.

The conference, themed “Building Viable Aviation Industry for National Economic Growth and Development,” underscored the importance of addressing the capacity problem to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry. With the implementation of these measures, the NCAA hopes to see significant improvements in the reliability of domestic air travel.