… Urges Airlines To Bridge Communication Gaps Between It, Passengers
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr.Michael Achimugu said that the agency is ready to collaborate on the education of the flying public and also support the aviation industry stability.
He said this while speaking with aviation journalists at the Temporary Terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, yesterday.
He noted that there is the need for seamless communication between airlines and passengers, as according to him lack of communication brings about mis-understanding, which ultimately leads to dissatisfaction between the two parties.
He urged airlines to strengthen public awareness efforts to explain operational realities to its passengers.
According to him, “Another challenge is letting the passengers know because there’s always a gap between what is happening in the real sense of it, what the airlines are going through and what the passengers understand.”
Speaking on passenger complaints, the NCAA spokesman, said that the number of air travellers using the NCAA complaint portal created for passengers who have challenges with their flights are increasing but that some of the passengers are still struggling with technical requirements as they submit their cases.
To accommodate these passengers, he said NCAA has provided alternative channels, such as email and social media platforms to ensure their complaints are captured and resolve speedily.
On the disruption of flights, which often time bring friction between airlines and passengers, Achimugu , said that recent data indicates that there is noticeable improvement in delays and cancellations of flights as against the last quarter of 2025, as passenger traffic has dropped after the festive season.
He, however, warned that the coming of the rainy season could bring about fresh disruptions,as according to the spokesman,
weather-related challenges remain significant factor in airline operations.
To buttress his point, the NCAA image maker said that he experienced multiple flight disruptions on a recent trip he embarked
on but was quick to say that despite the reduction and improvement in the disruption of flights, operational challenges are still common.
Achimugu stated that he is hopeful that the results from the just concluded Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition Investment Summit(NAAIS) organised by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in conjunction with NCAA would enhance aircraft funding and acquisition.
He pointed out that agreements entered into at the event are expected to boost aircraft availability in 2026,.
These deals, he noted would further reduce disruptions across the Nigerian aviation industry sector.
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