Nigerian airports have been plagued by high rates of flight delays and cancellations in the first half of 2024, causing inconvenience to passengers and disrupting airline schedules. According to data from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), 19,250 passengers faced prolonged delays during the review period, with 16,945 flights experiencing delays out of a total of 35,398 flights operated by 13 local carriers.

The NCAA data also revealed that 696 flights, accounting for 2% of the total, were cancelled. Furthermore, a significant 48% of domestic flights experienced delays, while 26 airlines operated 7,144 flights on international routes, with 2,305 delays and 69 cancellations. The top three international airlines with the most delays and cancellations were Delta Airlines, Cronos, and Turkish Airlines.

The causes of these delays range from technical issues and weather conditions to air traffic congestion and regulatory or security checks. The Nigerian aviation industry is facing significant challenges, with the rising number of cancelled flights, in addition to persistent flight delays. The situation is likely to worsen during the holiday season, with increased passenger traffic expected to result in crowded airports and longer wait times.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, two of the busiest airports in Africa, are among the most affected. These airports handled a significant portion of the continent's air traffic, with about 15.89 million passengers traveling through them in 2023.

In response to the situation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is taking proactive steps to address the issues. The agency's Acting Director-General, Chris Najomo, has scheduled a meeting with airline CEOs to discuss flight delays and cancellations, especially during the festive season. The NCAA has also taken enforcement actions against five airlines – two international and three domestic – for violating passenger rights under Part 19 of its regulations.

The violations include failure to issue refunds, non-compliance with directives, and mishandling luggage, alongside flight delays and cancellations. The NCAA's efforts aim to improve the overall air travel experience for passengers and ensure that airlines operate in accordance with regulatory standards.

As the holiday season approaches, passengers traveling through Nigerian airports are advised to plan ahead and check with their airlines for any potential delays or cancellations. The situation highlights the need for improved infrastructure and operational efficiency in the Nigerian aviation industry to minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother travel experience for passengers.