The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered Air Peace, the country’s largest airline, to scale down its flight operations. Travelnews. Africa reports that the NCAA is demanding that the carrier align its schedule with the actual number of aircraft currently available in its fleet.
The regulatory move, which could spur operational adjustments within Nigeria’s aviation sector, was triggered by passenger complaints of persistent flight delays and recurring flight cancellations that impact travel itineraries.
Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of the NCAA, issued the directive after discussions with Air Peace representatives. This signalled the agency’s emphasis on and commitment to the utmost adherence to industry regulations and global best practices, passenger rights, and operational efficiency within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The ripple effects of the NCAA’s directive might include rejigging AirPeace’s flight operations and frequencies, passenger travel options, and route recalibration.
The airline currently operates a fleet of 27 aircraft: a mix of Boeing and Embraer models. Airpeace boasts a daily passenger capacity exceeding 3,500, serving a network of 20 domestic and international destinations and connecting major cities across Nigeria and beyond.Â
While the extent of Air Peace’s fleet reduction’s potential impact is still unknown, TravelNews.Africa reports that a 20% reduction, for instance, could result in a loss of 28 domestic flights per week and will likely impact key routes such as Lagos-Abuja and Lagos-Port Harcourt. The reductions may also diminish Air Peace’s market share by up to 7%. The reductions are poised to affect regional routes to West and Southern Africa.
On the flip side, Air Peace has strongly refuted claims of a fleet shortage, stating it has more aircraft than those currently scheduled for daily operations. According to Business Day, Air Peace has blamed specific incidents like bird strikes causing the immediate grounding of aircraft, as culprits of operational quagmires, delays, and cancellations.
Air Peace emphasises that safety remains its top priority and that all decisions to delay or cancel flights are made to protect human lives and comply with safety standards. The airline has also reiterated its commitment to maintaining professionalism and safety despite the inconvenience caused to passengers.
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The Business Day reports that, for greater efficiency, Air Peace has also announced the strategic pursuit of fleet expansion and renewal, having placed orders for new Embraer E175 aircraft and taken delivery of E195-E2 jets. This signals plans for future growth despite current operational challenges.
The NCAA’s directive holds broad implications for Nigeria’s aviation sector. For one, it marks the birth of an era of heightened focus on regulatory compliance and operational efficiency, sending regulatory waves across the school of airline operators within the country. Also, it signals the realignment of practices in the Nigerian aviation sector with global trends in aviation, reinforcing the importance of reliable and predictable air travel.
Yet, the NCAA’s proactive regulatory intervention is set to transcend airlines to impact tourism and travel in Nigeria in several ways. By urging Air Peace to align its operations with the actual size of its available fleet, NCAA seeks to reduce flight disruptions. This could enhance the reliability of domestic flights, restoring passenger confidence in air travel within Nigeria, which is crucial for tourism growth.
While scaling down operations may lead to fewer available flights or reduced frequency on certain routes in the immediate term, potentially limiting travel options for tourists and business travellers, the NCAA’s focus on compliance with safety standards supports a safer travel environment, which is vital for sustaining long-term tourism development.
The NCAA’s intervention has also exposed deep operational and regulatory challenges within the country’s aviation sector, affecting other major carriers like Ethiopian Airlines, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, and Royal Air Maroc. Many Nigerian airlines have been criticised for their poor service delivery, frequent rescheduling, last-minute cancellations, and general unreliability.Â
Airlines are now under increased pressure to comply with operational standards, which could improve reliability but may also expose structural weaknesses in under-resourced carriers. Plus, the saga may accelerate consolidation or market exits among weaker carriers, while airlines that adapt to regulatory demands and invest in operational efficiency could capture greater market share.
Should the NCAA’s regulatory crackdown lead to genuine improvements in service delivery and operational reliability, Nigeria’s tourism and travel sector could see a significant rebound in traveller confidence, boosting both aviation and tourism in the medium to long term.
FAQs
- Why does the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) warn Air Peace about its flight operations?
The NCAA has warned Air Peace about chronic flight delays and cancellations, urging the airline to improve its domestic operations and comply with regulatory standards and global best practices. The NCAA also advised Air Peace to reduce its destinations to match the number of aircraft in its fleet to mitigate these disruptions.
- What is Air Peace’s response to the NCAA’s warnings?
Air Peace insists that safety is its top priority and that flight delays or cancellations are driven by safety considerations such as weather conditions, technical issues, or operational standards. The airline denies operating beyond its fleet capacity, stating it has more aircraft than scheduled daily and that delays are not due to fleet shortages.
- Has Air Peace admitted to flight cancellations and delays?
Yes, Air Peace acknowledges flight cancellations and delays but emphasises that these decisions are always made for passenger safety and not for financial gain or operational convenience. The airline stresses it does not cancel flights without due cause.
- What specific incidents have contributed to Air Peace’s flight disruptions?
One example cited is a bird strike incident in which an Air Peace aircraft sustained engine damage while landing in Enugu. This led to the immediate grounding of the plane in accordance with safety protocols. Such unforeseen incidents contribute to flight disruptions beyond the airline’s control.
- What actions is the NCAA taking to ensure compliance from Air Peace and other airlines?
The NCAA has increased monitoring of flight operations across all airlines, including Air Peace, to ensure adherence to regulations and international safety standards. The authority remains supportive but insists on strict compliance and has sanctioned airlines previously for regulatory violations.
