United Nigeria Airlines Cites Congestion for Flight Delays

During the Aviation Day of the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, Nigerian airline operators expressed that airport congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and adverse weather conditions are major contributors to flight delays and cancellations. The session occurred shortly after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) released a report indicating that over 60% of flights were delayed in August 2026, with 4,765 out of 7,961 domestic flights operated by Nigerian airlines experiencing delays.

Chief Commercial Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Adedayo Olawuyi, noted that while some disruptions are within airlines' control, many are not. He highlighted airport congestion as a significant issue, especially during peak periods, and compared it to a situation where multiple vehicles are parked in a single parking space.

He also mentioned technical problems and adverse weather as factors leading to delays, emphasizing the importance of passenger safety when addressing mechanical issues. A specific example cited was a flight from Lagos to Kano that was delayed due to bad weather.