Regulator orders carrier to improve flight operations, respect passenger rights, clear pending refunds within 14 days
By Nathaniel Irobi
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned United Nigeria Airlines against operating beyond its available capacity at the expense of passengers, ordering the carrier to improve its flight operations and strictly adhere to passenger rights regulations.
The directive was handed down by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, during a consultative meeting with the airline’s management at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Capt. Najomo emphasised that while the NCAA’s regulatory framework is not intended to drive airlines out of business, its core mandate is to ensure sustainable, efficient and lawful operations within the industry.
The DGCA condemned recent operational lapses that left passengers stranded without communication or assistance, warning the airline against operating beyond its capacity at the expense of the flying public.
In his contribution, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, raised serious concerns over the airline’s systematic failure to comply with prescribed operational and consumer protection requirements as enshrined in Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), 2023.
Mr. Achimugu criticised the airline for what he described as a lack of honesty in its passenger communications, particularly regarding delay updates and ticket refunds.
He cited the recent flight disruptions as “gross,” warning that such brazen impunity will no longer be tolerated by the apex regulator.
Also speaking, the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff, called on the carrier to scale down its active operational routes whenever experiencing Aircraft-On-Ground (AOG) situations.
Capt. Spiff further cautioned the airline to strictly follow established regulatory guidelines when opening new destinations, warning against route expansion beyond its current fleet capacity.
Airline Apologises, Promises Refunds
Responding to the regulatory ultimatum, the management of United Nigeria Airlines expressed apologies to the regulator and passengers, promising to clear and resolve all pending ticket refund cases within 14 days, in line with the official refund timelines.
The NCAA said it will monitor the airline’s compliance with the directives.
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