Domestic air travellers across Nigeria have expressed frustration over frequent flight delays and cancellations, citing prolonged waiting times, unexpected expenses and disrupted travel plans.
A report by Saturday Vanguard observed crowded departure halls at several airports, with passengers left waiting for updates on delayed flights.
A visit to the domestic terminals of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Monday showed travellers waiting for information about their flights, while a similar situation was observed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday.
One passenger, identified as Eze, said his flights between Lagos and Abuja had been delayed in both directions, leaving him stressed.
“My flight was delayed while I was going to Abuja from Lagos. It was delayed as I am returning. I am stressed, honestly. And I am not alone. Delay announcements are many, about four in two hours today. Terrible,” he said.
Another passenger, Jeremiah, said a delay affecting his flight from Warri to Lagos forced him to incur additional expenses after the journey was rescheduled for the following day.
He said his flight, originally scheduled for 5pm on Sunday, was postponed, despite his need to arrive in Lagos by 9am on Monday for an important meeting.
“I had to part away with another money after my flight scheduled for 5pm on Sunday was shifted to the next day. I needed to be in Lagos by 9am on Monday because I had an important meeting to attend,” he said.
The complaints came amid figures released by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which showed that domestic airlines recorded 4,801 flight disruptions out of 7,961 flights operated in August 2026. The total comprised 4,765 delays and 36 cancellations.
A passenger, Segalink, also recently took to X, formerly Twitter, to complain about a prolonged delay involving an Air Peace flight from Asaba to Lagos.
He said flight P47863, originally scheduled to depart at 3pm on September 26, was repeatedly rescheduled, reportedly because of maintenance issues.
According to him, many passengers spent the night at the airport hoping to travel, only to be informed around midnight that the flight would depart at 5am the following day.
He said the revised schedule was also not met, as the flight eventually departed at about 9am.
The passenger further alleged that no refreshments or hotel accommodation were provided despite the extended delay.
He questioned the treatment of passengers, noting that airlines often refuse to allow travellers to board when they arrive at the check-in counter just 15 minutes late.
The NCAA’s August figures showed that Air Peace recorded the highest number of delays and cancellations, with 1,337 disruptions out of 1,864 flights operated during the month.
United Nigeria Airlines recorded 951 disruptions out of 1,231 flights, while Enugu Air recorded 586 out of 878 flights.
ValueJet reported 438 disruptions out of 767 flights, while Ibom Air recorded 257 out of 560 flights.
Arik Air operated 301 flights during the period, of which 188 were delayed and one was cancelled.
However, some airlines disputed the regulator’s figures, arguing that the data did not adequately distinguish between operational problems within their control and disruptions caused by external factors.
Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines had challenged the NCAA’s August report, saying it contained inaccuracies and failed to account for issues beyond their control.
The recurring disruptions have heightened concerns among passengers, particularly business travellers and people with urgent appointments, who say unpredictable flight schedules increase their travel costs and create difficulties in making alternative arrangements.
The airlines’ objections have also highlighted the need for clearer reporting on the causes of delays and cancellations, alongside improved communication with affected passengers.
