NCAA: 60% of Nigeria's domestic flights delayed in August

In August 2026, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority released operational data revealing that approximately six out of every ten domestic flights were delayed. The month saw 7,961 total flights operated, with 4,765 experiencing delays—equivalent to about 59.8 percent.

Cancellations numbered 36, representing under one percent of operations. These disruption figures prompted the NCAA to direct criticism at domestic carriers.

The regulatory body took issue with how airlines have implemented passenger protection regulations during operational disruptions. The NCAA raised alarm about refund claims that remain unresolved and noted that carriers bear specific responsibilities toward passengers when disruptions occur.

Officials stressed the importance of compliance with regulations governing passenger welfare and compensation measures. Among all carriers, Air Peace experienced the most delayed flights, with 1,330 delays occurring across 1,864 scheduled operations that month.

Yet industry observers have raised doubts regarding how the NCAA compiles its reports. According to public affairs analyst Bonaventure Phillips Melah, the regulator releases monthly statistics containing unprocessed data that fails to account for differences in fleet size or investigate what drove the delays, thereby potentially distorting perceptions of airline quality.

Industry participants warn that the NCAA's system for disseminating reports on disruptions may unfairly portray domestic operators, including homegrown airlines, in the eyes of customers. Distinct from the delays themselves, disagreement has surfaced concerning methodologies for gathering and releasing performance information, with sector leaders advocating for reforms to the regulatory system that incorporate factors beyond simple delay tallies.