NCAA Issues No-Service Order to Airlines Amid Debt Crisis

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued a no-service order to airlines on May 22, 2026, due to financial clearance issues. This suspension affects operations until airlines can obtain necessary financial clearance.

The memo, signed by Director of Financial Accounts Olufemi Odukoya, indicates that affected airlines include Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik Air, and others. Discussions are ongoing for repayment arrangements to allow essential regulatory services to continue, as airlines owe significant debts to the NCAA, which are not publicly disclosed but are estimated to be in the billions of naira.

The NCAA has adopted stringent measures, including a payment scheme to reduce airline debt. Stakeholders express concern that the suspension of NCAA services could disrupt critical operational processes, including aircraft inspections and crew licensing.

The memo has exacerbated the financial crisis for airlines, which are already facing pressures from rising aviation fuel prices and foreign exchange constraints.