Passengers from Nigerian airports experienced some of the highest rates of flight delays and cancellations in the first half of 2024.
- Flight delays in Nigerian airports were mostly experienced by travelers in H1, 2024
- The NCAA reported significant delays and cancellations for both domestic and international flights
- Delta Airlines, Cronos, and Turkish Airlines had the highest delay rates for international flights to and from Nigerian airports
Flight delays on these routes are a frequent issue, caused by various factors ranging from weather conditions to operational challenges.
For passengers traveling through Nigerian airports this week, concerns about potential last-minute delays or cancellations may arise.
With the holiday season in full swing, increased passenger traffic is likely to result in crowded airports and longer wait times.
Flight delays in Nigerian Airports
Notably, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos rank among the top 10 busiest airports in Africa, handling a significant portion of the continent’s air traffic.
About 15.89 million passengers travelled through the nations’ airports in 2023.
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These delays not only inconvenience passengers but also disrupt airline schedules, creating significant logistical challenges.
The causes of these delays range from technical issues and weather conditions to air traffic congestion and regulatory or security checks.
Data from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the agency responsible for regulating civil aviation, reveals that 19,250 passengers at Nigerian airports faced prolonged delays during the review period.
Additionally, the NCAA data, as reported by The Independent showed that out of 35,398 flights operated by 13 local carriers, 16,945 experienced delays.
Nigeria’s domestic airlines cancelled 696 flights, accounting for 2% of the total 35,398 flights operated.
Furthermore, a significant 48% of domestic flights experienced delays.
On international routes, 26 airlines operated 7,144 flights, with 2,305 delays and 69 cancellations.
The table below, according to the NCAA data, shows the international airlines that recorded the most delays and cancellations to and from Nigerian airports.
| Rank | Airline | Total flights | Delayed Flights | Cancelled Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta Airlines | 180 | 113 | 7 |
| 2 | Cronos | 25 | 15 | 0 |
| 3 | Uganda Air | 73 | 42 | 0 |
| 4 | Turkish | 284 | 148 | 5 |
| 5 | South African | 76 | 36 | – |
| 6 | Air Peace | 888 | 409 | 6 |
| 7 | Kenya Airways | 146 | 85 | 3 |
| 8 | Max Air (international) | 22 | 9 | 1 |
| 9 | British Airways | 354 | 141 | 5 |
| 10 | Air Cote d’Ivoire | 355 | 141 | 8 |
The United States carrier, Delta Airlines topped the list of airlines with the most flight delays among the international carriers, with 63% of its flights delayed either inward or outward of Nigeria.
Cronos trailed Delta with 60% of flight delays while Turkish Airlines operated 284 flights but had 148 delays, maintaining a third position on the list having delayed 52% of its total flights.
For local flights, the table below presents airlines that recorded delays and flight cancellations during the period;
| S/N | Airline | Total flights | Delayed Flights | Cancelled Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dana Air | 1446 | 999 | – |
| 2 | United Nigeria | 3912 | 2439 | 82 |
| 3 | Arik Air | 2331 | 1378 | 32 |
| 4 | NG Eagle | 567 | 333 | – |
| 5 | Overland | 1227 | 696 | 57 |
| 6 | Max Air | 2297 | 1247 | 23 |
| 7 | Azman | 145 | 76 | – |
| 8 | Air Peace | 11,111 | 5350 | 294 |
| 9 | Ibom Air | 3879 | 1508 | – |
| 10 | Green Africa | 2368 | 836 | 50 |
The Nigerian aviation industry is facing significant challenges with the rising number of cancelled flights, in addition to persistent flight delays.
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According to recent data, in September 2024, out of 5,291 flights operated, 2,434 were delayed, and 79 were cancelled. The following month, October 2024, saw 2,791 delays and 111 cancellations out of 5,513 flights operated.
To address these issues, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is taking proactive steps.
The NCAA’s Acting Director-General, Chris Najomo, has scheduled a meeting with airline CEOs to address flight delays and cancellations, especially during the festive season.
The agency has also taken enforcement actions against five airlines—two international and three domestic—for violating passenger rights under Part 19 of its regulations.
These violations include failure to issue refunds, non-compliance with directives, and mishandling luggage, alongside flight delays and cancellations.
