NCAA Summons Air Peace Over Flight Disruptions, Passenger Complaints

TRUETELLS NIGERIA REPORTS that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned airline operator Air Peace to its headquarters for an urgent meeting over recent flight disruptions and growing passenger complaints.

The regulatory body directed the airline to appear on Monday to explain a series of operational issues that reportedly affected passengers, including a controversial rerouting incident involving travellers on the Heathrow–Abuja route.

Passengers on the flight were allegedly diverted through the Gatwick–Lagos–Abuja route and later left stranded in Lagos after the aircraft reportedly returned mid-journey due to a cracked windshield.

Confirming the development, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the situation had prompted the activation of the authority’s Consumer Protection Department.

According to him, multiple complaints from passengers regarding delayed refunds, lack of compensation, and failure to provide basic passenger support services forced the regulatory body to take immediate action.

“We will not tolerate any abandonment of paying passengers,” Achimugu said, adding that although the authority supports domestic airlines, it expects them to adhere strictly to aviation regulations and passenger rights.

The NCAA also stated that it would carry out a detailed investigation into the reported incidents and apply necessary sanctions where violations are established.

“Appropriate action will be taken as usual based on the facts of the incident as enshrined in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023,” Achimugu noted.

The agency reaffirmed its role as the country’s aviation regulator, stressing its commitment to protecting passengers and maintaining strict oversight of both domestic and international carriers operating in Nigeria.

The emergency meeting with Air Peace is expected to address the reported disruptions, clarify issues surrounding refunds and compensation for affected travellers, and outline measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

In a related development, TRUETELLS NIGERIA REPORTS that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has concluded preliminary investigations into airline ticket pricing during the Christmas and New Year travel period.

Speaking during the State House “Meet the Press” session, the commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, disclosed that about five airlines may face sanctions for allegedly colluding to fix ticket prices during the peak festive travel season.

According to Bello, the suspected price-fixing caused ticket fares to skyrocket, with some domestic flights reportedly selling for between ₦405,000 and ₦600,000, sparking widespread complaints from Nigerian travellers.

He added that airlines found guilty could be compelled to refund passengers who paid excessively high fares during the period.