Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has assured air travellers that there will be minimal flight delays and cancellations during the festive season, saying cases of flight disruptions will also be better managed than previous years.

The regulatory agency said with the signing of the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation, IDERA, operators were expanding their fleet to meet rising demand.

In October, Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, signed the IDERA to enable Nigerian airlines have access to dry lease aircraft to boost operational capacity.

Since then, United Nigeria Airlines has boosted its fleet with five Embraer aircraft (E190s) with the first of the planes arriving early this month.

Also, Ibom Air expanded its fleet with the addition of two Bombardier CRJ 900 next-generation aircraft.

Addressing newsmen after the NCAA Consumer Protection National Stakeholder Summit themed: ‘Achieving Increased Adoption of Digital Technology in Air Travel Customer Complaints Management: The Regulatory Perspective’ held in Lagos, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, urged travellers to report issues of delays and cancellations to the agency.

Achimugu said: “This is the high season, there will be flight disruptions, however, it should be better than the previous years because with the signing of IDERA, more aircraft are coming to Nigeria. One of the domestic airlines recently said they brought in 10 new aircraft.

“This would not have been possible before. So we are monitoring. We have our consumer protection officers at every airport. If there is a disruption, please report to us. We can always mitigate some of those concerns. We are on ground to help deal with some of these situations as they arise.”

On the reason for the summit, he said: “The task before us is huge. We will step on toes to get the right thing done. We will make decisions and adjustments that will not compromise safety and security, but will uplift the travel experience of the people for whose sake the industry exists.

“I also invite all passengers to remember that airlines are in business and must make certain decisions based on the same principles that passengers also apply to their personal businesses as well. We must, therefore, strike a balance in the best interest of all parties. So, as you insist on having your rights protected, also do well to remember to honour your responsibilities as clearly stated in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.”