NCAA Orders United Nigeria Airlines to Improve Flight Operations

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered United Nigeria Airlines to improve its flight operations, strictly adhere to passenger rights regulations, and stop expanding routes beyond its current fleet capacity.

The directive was handed down by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, during a consultative meeting with the airline's management, held at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Capt. Najomo emphasized that, while the NCAA’s regulatory framework is not intended to drive airlines out of business, its core mandate is to ensure sustainable, efficient, and lawful operations within the industry.

The DGCA warned the airline against operating beyond its available capacity at the expense of passengers, and condemned recent operational lapses that have left passengers stranded without communication or assistance.

In his contribution, the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, raised serious concerns over the airline's systematic failure to comply with prescribed operational and consumer protection requirements as enshrined in Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), 2023.

While criticizing the airline for lack of honesty in its passenger communications, particularly regarding delay updates and ticket refunds, he cited the recent flight disruptions as "gross," and warned that such brazen impunity will no longer be tolerated by the apex regulator.

The Director, Operations, Licensing, and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff, in his brief remarks, called on the carrier to scale down its active operational routes whenever experiencing Aircraft-On-Ground (AOG).

Capt. Spiff also cautioned the airline to strictly follow established regulatory guidelines when opening new destinations.

Responding to the regulatory ultimatum, the United Nigeria Airlines expressed apologies, promising to clear and resolve all pending tickets refund cases within 14 days, the official refund timelines.