Nigerian Airlines Refund Over ₦1 Billion to Passengers in Three Months, NCAA Reports
Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that domestic airlines in the country refunded more than ₦1.03 billion to 5,285 passengers between April and June 2025. This development follows stricter regulatory oversight and enhanced consumer protection measures implemented by the aviation watchdog.
Regulatory Crackdown Yields Results
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, the NCAA disclosed:
“Between the months of April–June (2025), domestic airlines in Nigeria paid refunds to air passengers as follows: Total Number of Passengers refunded – 5,285. Combined total refunds (in naira) – ₦1,038,505,680.80.”
This milestone comes less than a year after the NCAA launched its Consumer Protection Portal in September 2024. The initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was designed to expedite airline ticket refund resolutions within a 24-hour window.
Stricter Enforcement Measures
To further strengthen accountability, the NCAA issued a warning on December 10, 2024, threatening sanctions against airlines that failed to adhere to refund timelines. Shortly after, enforcement actions were taken against several carriers, including:
- Air Peace
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Arik Air
- Aero Contractors
- Royal Air Maroc
These airlines faced penalties for multiple violations, including delayed refunds, noncompliance with directives, and mishandling of passenger baggage.
Consumer Protection Remains a Priority
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized that timely refunds remain a cornerstone of the Authority’s consumer rights strategy. He reiterated the NCAA’s commitment to holding airlines accountable while ensuring passengers receive fair treatment.
Max Air Identified as Least Responsive Carrier
In a related development, the NCAA’s consumer feedback dashboard revealed that Max Air was the least responsive domestic airline to passenger complaints in mid-2025. The data highlighted ongoing challenges in customer service responsiveness despite regulatory interventions.
Conclusion: A Push for Greater Accountability
The NCAA’s recent actions underscore its intensified efforts to enforce passenger rights, improve service delivery, and promote transparency in Nigeria’s aviation sector. With over ₦1 billion refunded in just three months, the regulatory body continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting air travelers.
For more details, read the original report: Toscad News.