DOMESTIC airlines in Nigeria refunded more than ₦1 billion to passengers between April and June 2025, according to data released by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account yesterday, the NCAA revealed that a total of ₦1.038 billion was refunded to 5,285 passengers during the second quarter of the year. No further breakdown of the refunds was provided.
“This underscores our commitment to enforcing passenger protection and ensuring compliance by airlines,” the NCAA stated.
The announcement follows recent efforts by the NCAA to clarify rules around compensation for flight disruptions.
The Authority stressed that while cancelled flights may result in refunds or compensation, such outcomes are determined by specific provisions under Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.
It further clarified that a cancelled flight does not guarantee a seat on the next scheduled flight.
Instead, affected passengers are placed on the next flight with available space. In cases where that flight is fully booked, passengers are not to displace others—a practice aligned with global aviation standards.
Where a cancellation notice is issued at least 24 hours in advance, the airline is not required to offer further assistance, and passengers should not report to the airport.
However, if no prior notice is given and passengers show up, airlines must provide care and support—this may include meals, hotel accommodation, rebooking, rerouting, or monetary compensation, based on availability.
Travellers were also reminded that to qualify for refunds or compensation, complaints must be submitted directly to the airline first. If unresolved, the matter can be escalated through official NCAA channels—not social media, which is not recognized for regulatory action.
Passengers can file complaints through the NCAA Consumer Protection Portal at cpd.ncaa.gov.ng, or by emailing [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]), [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]), or [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
The NCAA encouraged all passengers to familiarize themselves with Nigeria’s civil aviation regulations to better understand their rights when facing disruptions.