The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is cracking down on airlines that deport passengers after airlifting them partway to their destinations due to visa or travel restrictions. This practice, which the NCAA deems unacceptable, has led to significant distress for affected passengers and has tarnished the reputation of Nigeria's aviation industry.

According to a statement released by the NCAA, airlines must inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their final destination before commencing travel. Passengers should not be denied entry or returned to Nigeria upon arrival at intermediate or transit stops. The NCAA emphasizes that it is the responsibility of airlines to screen passengers and provide accurate, up-to-date information regarding travel documents and visa requirements before issuing tickets and boarding.

The NCAA has put all international airlines operating in Nigeria on notice, stating that any airline found to be engaged in such practices will face regulatory action. This may include fines, suspension of flying operations, or other appropriate measures.

In related news, the NCAA's 2024 report on international and domestic flight operations reveals a concerning number of flight delays and cancellations. Domestic airlines recorded 33,235 delayed flights, while international airlines reported 4,426 delays. Cancellation figures were also high, with domestic airlines canceling 1,189 flights and international airlines canceling 131.

Among international airlines, Delta Airline, Value Jet, and Uganda Air had the highest number of delays. Value Jet delayed all its four flights, Delta Airline delayed 235 out of 390 operations and cancelled nine flights, and Uganda Air recorded 96 delayed flights out of 168 operated. Virgin Atlantic, United Airline, and Saudi Air had the fewest delays.

Domestically, Air Peace had the highest number of flight delays, with 7,619 delayed flights out of 15,413 operations. United Nigeria and Arik Air also had significant numbers of delays. Air Peace, Arik Air, and Ibom Air recorded the highest numbers of cancelled flights.

In December 2024, the NCAA sanctioned five airlines for violating Part 19 of NCAA Regulations, including failure to refund passengers within the stipulated timeframe, non-responsiveness to authority directives, mishandling of luggage, and issues related to flight delays and cancellations.