The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has warned that incidents involving unruly passengers, staff conflicts, and non-compliance with safety protocols are threatening the progress made in Nigeria’s aviation safety record. Speaking in Lagos at FAAN’s Aviation Safety Week, themed “Navigating Conflict for a Safer Aviation in Nigeria”, she called for a coordinated and proactive response from all industry stakeholders, emphasizing that safety is a collective effort requiring complete synergy between agencies, airlines, and regulators.Former FAAN General Manager, Hon. Yakubu Dati, delivered the keynote address, corroborating the Managing Director’s concerns. He stressed that the industry has recorded an increase in incidents involving unruly passengers over the past decade, which directly challenges operational efficiency and compromises safety.Dati cited the International Air Transport Association (IATA), reporting that disruptive passenger events now occur at a rate of 1 in every 568 flights, leadinging to verbal abuse, intoxication, and non-compliance with instructions. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has also identified “air rage” and aggression as safety-critical issues, urging member states to integrate behavioural risk management into their safety frameworks. Dati largely attributed the rise in conflicts within the aviation industry to a breakdown in communication.Represented by Dr. Emiola Luqman, the Director of Human Resources and Administration, Mrs. Kuku outlined the decisive steps FAAN is taking to manage conflicts: The FAAN MD stressed that the industry must shift from siloed efforts to integrated safety strategies, where security agencies, airlines, ground handlers, and the regulator work in complete synergy to promote a culture of safety, trust, and collaboration.
Air Tanzania debuts direct flights to Lagos, strengthening Nigeria-Tanzania ties
Air Tanzania has initiated direct air service connecting Dar es Salaam and Lagos, operating thrice weekly to enhance travel, trade, and cultural collaboration between Nigeria and Tanzania. The launch event in Lagos attracted key government figures and industry leaders, emphasizing the route’s strategic importance for continental integration goals. This newly established connection promises to improve accessibility between two of Africa’s major economic hubs. Flights from Dar es Salaam will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while return trips from Lagos are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The event gathered government representatives, tourism officials, logistics experts, and members of the African diaspora, demonstrating the broad support for this project. Tanzania’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele, described the link as an “aerial bridge” uniting two of Africa’s largest urban centers and economies. Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mrs. Janet Oputa pointed to the route’s potential to stimulate commerce, tourism, and cultural exchanges, furthering the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Prof. Godius Kahyarara, Permanent Secretary at Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport, outlined the economic prospects this venture introduces, noting Nigeria’s status as Africa’s second-largest economy. He lauded President Samia Suluhu Hassan for elevating Air Tanzania into a leading carrier with a modern fleet averaging just 4.5 years in age. Air Tanzania’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Peter Ulanga, invited Nigerians to experience Tanzania’s famed tourist destinations like the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. He also revealed plans to extend cargo capacity, facilitating the exchange of products such as Nigerian yams and Tanzanian coffee. By adding Lagos to its network, Air Tanzania now serves 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including prominent cities like Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Mumbai, and Guangzhou. The airline continues to champion connectivity across Africa, upholding high standards of safety, service excellence, and customer satisfaction.
NCAA threatens Qatar Airways with heavy penalties over alleged passenger abuse
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has accused Qatar Airways of mistreating Nigerian flyers and flouting consumer protection rules. The regulatory body warns the airline will face strict sanctions if such actions continue. The aviation watchdog disclosed the matter in a statement by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at NCAA, on Friday via his official X account. The latest event involves a Nigerian traveler who was accused by a Qatar Airways cabin attendant of inappropriate conduct during boarding in Lagos for a flight routed through Doha to the United States. Instead of addressing the allegation locally, claims surfaced only after the passenger arrived in Doha, where he was detained for about 18 hours, fined, and consented to signing documentation written exclusively in Arabic. The airline subsequently denied him passage, compelling him to purchase a new ticket, causing huge financial and reputational damage. Achimugu condemned the airline’s disregard for Nigerian laws under Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, stating the behavior will no longer be tolerated. He said that while boarding, a female crew member alleged that a male passenger travelling with his wife touched her improperly. The complaint was only made upon reaching Doha, leading to his arrest and extended detention. He added that the airline’s selective respect for regulations, in contrast to adherence in Europe and other regions, is unacceptable. The NCAA emphasized its dual role in safeguarding both airlines and passengers, with Director-General Captain Chris Najomo firm enforcing consumer rights and imposing heavy fines on erring carriers. The authority also revealed that Qatar Airways’ country manager neglected to attend a summoned meeting, sending junior staffers instead. The airline has reportedly ignored NCAA’s investigative notices and failed to resolve escalated customer grievances. Achimugu reaffirmed Nigeria’s rules must be upheld just like international standards, warning that falsifying information or ignoring regulatory orders constitutes a breach of law. The Nigerian bilateral air service agreements (BASAs) demand compliance, he stressed. Furthermore, Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Air have been similarly warned and face penalties if they disregard guidelines.
Enugu Air to expand fleet with six new planes by year-end – Governor Mbah
Enugu State’s Governor, Peter Mbah, announced on Thursday that the state-owned airline, Enugu Air, will bolster its fleet with six additional aircraft before the close of 2025. The announcement came during the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce’s “Meet The Governor Series” event held in Lagos. The development is a critical component of Enugu’s agenda to strengthen its aviation sector, improve regional connectivity, and attract business and tourism investment into the region. Governor Mbah explained that the state partnered with a private investor to take over the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport. The airport is currently undergoing upgrades, including the construction of an international terminal and a cargo facility, both slated to be functional by early 2026. The airline is responding to rapid demand growth that has already surpassed initial expectations following its launch just over two months ago, with six new aircraft scheduled to arrive ahead of the Christmas period. Initial operations began with three planes, primarily Embraer E170 and E190 jets, servicing routes connecting Enugu to Abuja and Lagos. Future plans include expanding the flight network to other Nigerian cities and eventually international destinations. The governor also noted that the state’s expansion agenda is supported by enhanced security measures and infrastructure improvements, which have contributed to the reduction of crime activities, making Enugu a safer destination for tourists and investors alike. Beyond aviation, Enugu is pushing forward with other transformative projects, such as coal-to-power schemes intended to produce 1,000 megawatts of clean energy using the state’s abundant low-sulphur coal reserves. These initiatives aim to sustainably power economic growth and ensure that coal resources remain viable assets for the future. Investment in tourism infrastructure is underway, with the Enugu International Conference Centre recently hosting a major event for over 20,000 participants, and new landmarks such as a five-star hotel and a religious tourism site, the Cross of Hope, nearing completion. Governor Mbah’s administration is optimistic that these projects will unlock new economic opportunities and elevate Enugu’s profile both nationally and internationally.
Kenya Airways settles NCAA fine but regulatory concerns remain over passenger treatment
Kenya Airways has fulfilled the payment required by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) after being sanctioned for consumer protection breaches, including the notable case involving Nigerian traveler Gloria Ibukun Omisore. The payment was confirmed by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, in a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday. However, the aviation regulator stressed that settling the fine does not resolve the core issues that led to the penalties. Following several discussions, including a visit by the Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria and airline representatives from JKIA to the NCAA headquarters, Kenya Airways remitted the penalty fee on September 17, 2025. The payment addresses violations linked to Ms. Omisore’s case and other related customer service complaints. While recognizing the carrier’s compliance with the financial sanction, the NCAA reminded that the deadline to fully resolve all pertinent matters has passed. Therefore, the settlement does not mark the end of the regulatory concerns. The NCAA clarified that sanctions aim to enhance flight operations, safety, and passenger treatment rather than merely punishing operators. The authority expects the airline to refine its policies and enhance assistance to travelers, given Kenya Airways’ longstanding ties with the Nigerian market. This development traces back to an incident in February 2025, when Ms. Omisore was denied boarding on the connecting leg of her journey from Nairobi to Paris despite holding a ticket from Lagos to Manchester via Nairobi and Paris. The airline cited the absence of a Schengen visa as the basis for refusing boarding and offered an alternative route through London, which she reportedly declined. The situation escalated into a verbal dispute, with Kenya Airways accusing Ms. Omisore of inappropriate conduct. NCAA’s Achimugu criticized how the airline managed the episode, pointing to recurrent allegations of poor treatment of Nigerian passengers. He questioned why Ms. Omisore was allowed to travel from Lagos if visa issues were known and noted the airline’s failure to provide timely alternatives or adequate support during the event. To substantiate their claims, the NCAA also sought CCTV footage connected to the incident. The NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to closely oversee the airline’s operations within Nigeria to protect consumer interests and ensure proper documentation handling.
Air Peace announces flight disruptions nationwide due to Lagos downpour
Air Peace has informed the public of delays affecting several flights nationwide following intense rainfall in Lagos on Tuesday morning. The airline made this disclosure through a statement issued by its spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, emphasizing that passenger safety remains their top concern despite the weather-induced schedule changes. While the adverse weather was beyond the airline’s control, Air peace assured travelers that efforts are underway to limit the impact on passengers’ journeys. Due to the heavy downpour in Lagos earlier today, some flights within our operational network will experience delays. Although we cannot influence the weather, safety is our foremost priority. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to manage these interruptions and ensure safe travel for everyone – Air Peace Passengers seeking real-time updates on their flights were encouraged to contact the airline via email or phone. Earlier reports by stress that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s forecast predicting thunderstorms and rainfall across various parts of the country between Monday and Wednesday. NiMet’s outlook, released from Abuja on Sunday, anticipated isolated storms with moderate showers on Monday morning over northern states including Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba. During the afternoon and evening hours, scattered thunderstorms with moderate rain were expected to persist across the north, with potential flash flooding in Adamawa, Taraba, and Gombe. The central region was forecast to have a cloudy sky with moments of sunshine in the morning, accompanied by moderate rainfall over Niger, Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, and Benue.