The Nigerian aviation business witnessed an alarming rise in flight disruptions in 2024, marking the best variety of delays and cancellations within the nation’s historical past. Based on a report launched by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), practically half of all home flights and over a 3rd of worldwide flights skilled delays.

Air Peace emerged because the airline with essentially the most disruptions, main in each delayed and canceled flights. The report signifies that out of 15,413 flights operated by Air Peace, 7,619 have been delayed, translating to just about 50% of its whole operations. 

As well as, the airline canceled 333 flights, making it the worst performer on this class as nicely.

Home airways wrestle to remain on schedule

Air Peace was not the one airline grappling with punctuality points. Arik Air recorded 5,027 delayed flights out of 10,699 whole flights, whereas United Airways (working in Nigeria) had 4,559 delays from 7,794 flights. 

The state of affairs raises issues in regards to the reliability of home airways and the rising frustration amongst passengers.

Worldwide airways additionally affected

Flight disruptions weren’t restricted to home carriers. A number of worldwide airways struggled with delays, with some recording worrying statistics.

• Worth Jet skilled delays on 100% of its worldwide flights, the worst efficiency amongst world carriers.
• Delta Airways delayed 60% of its flights (235 out of 390) and canceled 9 flights.
• Uganda Airways had a 57% delay fee (96 out of 168 flights).
• Saudi Air recorded a 16% delay fee (19 out of 121 flights).
• Virgin Atlantic fared barely higher, with simply 8% of its flights delayed (26 out of 362) and just one cancellation.

A worsening pattern

Total, the NCAA reported that out of 70,543 home flights operated in Nigeria in 2024, a staggering 33,235 have been delayed, whereas 1,189 have been canceled. On the worldwide entrance, out of 14,359 flights, 4,426 have been delayed, and 131 have been canceled.

In response to the rising issues, the Nigerian Ministry of Aviation introduced plans to start out publishing weekly updates on airline punctuality, hoping to extend accountability and push airways to enhance their operations.

The rising variety of flight disruptions has left passengers stranded, annoyed, and financially burdened. Delays and cancellations not solely have an effect on journey plans but additionally result in missed enterprise alternatives, household occasions, and further prices for lodging and rebooking.

Aviation consultants have known as for stricter rules to carry airways accountable. Some have urged elevated penalties for extreme delays, improved customer support insurance policies, and extra transparency in how airways talk disruptions.

What’s subsequent?

With the NCAA taking a more durable stance on airline efficiency, vacationers can solely hope for enhancements within the coming years. Nevertheless, if airways don’t take proactive steps to deal with these disruptions, Nigeria’s aviation sector dangers additional reputational harm.

For now, passengers are suggested to remain knowledgeable, examine airline efficiency reviews earlier than reserving flights, and put together for attainable delays when touring out and in of Nigeria.