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Najomo Demands Realistic Scheduling as Air Peace, Max Air Explain Operational Challenges

By Chioma Vivian James

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued stern warnings to airlines over persistent flight delays, cancellations, crew shortages and lapses in passenger welfare, directing operators to align their flight schedules with the aircraft and crew actually available for operations.

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, gave the warning during separate interactive sessions with Air Peace and Max Air at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

The engagements, which formed part of the Authority’s continuing regulatory and consumer-protection interventions, focused on the operational challenges contributing to disruptions in domestic air travel and the need for airlines to strengthen their capacity to manage such situations.

Najomo questioned the effectiveness of existing operational buffers in the face of recurring delays and cancellations, while acknowledging that factors such as adverse weather conditions, flight diversions and airport restrictions could contribute to disruptions.

He, however, stressed that airlines must strengthen their contingency plans and ensure that passengers receive timely, accurate and effective communication whenever disruptions occur.

The DGCA emphasised that airlines have a responsibility to build realistic schedules around their available operational resources rather than rely on arrangements that could leave passengers vulnerable when unforeseen challenges arise.

NCAA Raises Passenger Welfare Concerns

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, disclosed that NCAA monitoring had uncovered instances where passengers were left without adequate information or assistance during flight disruptions.

He reminded Air Peace of its obligations under applicable consumer-protection regulations, including the provision of refreshments after two hours and meals after six hours, as well as accommodation, refunds and compensation where applicable.

Achimugu also expressed concern over emerging flight-related complaints and urged the airline to respond promptly to consumer concerns, stressing the importance of maintaining passenger confidence during periods of operational disruption.

Air Peace Explains Fleet Constraints

Responding to the concerns, the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, disclosed that the airline currently has 20 aircraft, five of which are Aircraft on Ground (AOG), leaving 15 serviceable aircraft.

Olajide explained that Air Peace deliberately operates between 80 and 85 flights daily to maintain an operational buffer capable of absorbing disruptions.

She attributed some of the airline’s recent operational challenges to a combination of technical and operational issues, including bird-strike damage, component shortages and a cracked windshield, as well as adverse weather conditions and airport restrictions.

According to her, Air Peace provides hotel accommodation and other forms of assistance to passengers affected by prolonged disruptions.

Max Air Links Schedule Reduction to Crew Availability

At the separate engagement with Max Air, the airline’s General Manager, Ground Operations/Business Development, Mr Raymond Omadiagbe, disclosed that three Boeing 737 aircraft were available for domestic operations and were all serviceable.

However, he explained that only two were being operated because of crew limitations.

Omadiagbe further disclosed that Max Air’s international fleet comprises two Boeing 747 aircraft and one Boeing 777, which are currently undergoing checks.

He said the airline had reduced its flight schedule to reflect its available operational resources, while also discontinuing late-night Kano operations following feedback from passengers.

Pilot Retention Emerges as Industry Challenge

The discussions also highlighted pilot retention and crew availability as significant challenges affecting both airlines and, by extension, schedule reliability and operational continuity across the sector.

Najomo said the NCAA was supporting training-bond arrangements and considering measures that could facilitate the validation of foreign crew licences.

He, however, stressed that any such measures must be accompanied by proper licence verification and simulator checks to ensure that safety standards are not compromised.

While assuring airlines of the NCAA’s continued support in addressing genuine operational challenges, Najomo made it clear that operators must take greater responsibility for realistic scheduling, strict regulatory compliance and improved passenger care.

The engagements underscore the NCAA’s broader effort to balance operational realities confronting airlines with the rights and welfare of passengers, as the Authority intensifies regulatory oversight aimed at improving reliability, accountability and service standards across Nigeria’s aviation sector.