The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned United Nigeria Airlines against operating beyond its available capacity at the expense of passengers.
The regulator frowned at recent operational lapses that left passengers stranded without adequate communication or assistance.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, during a consultative meeting with the airline’s management at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
The NCAA boss ordered United Nigeria Airlines to improve its flight operations, strictly adhere to passenger rights regulations, and stop expanding routes beyond its current fleet capacity.
Capt. Najomo emphasised 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.
Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, raised serious concerns over what he described as the airline’s systematic failure to comply with prescribed operational and consumer protection requirements under Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), 2023.
Responding to the regulatory ultimatum, United Nigeria Airlines apologised and promised to clear and resolve all pending ticket refund cases within 14 days, the official refund timeline.
Meanwhile, Achimugu had earlier, on behalf of the NCAA, directed domestic airlines to cut down their flight operations whenever aircraft were grounded due to technical issues to avoid excessive disruption and hardship for passengers.
While warning airlines against operating beyond their available capacity at the expense of passengers, he stated that airlines with aircraft on the ground were expected to reduce their schedules to prevent avoidable delays and cancellations.
Air Peace is also reported to have apologised to all passengers affected by the delays and cancellations recently experienced across its operations.
The CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, had earlier declared that no Nigerian airline made $1 million in profit in 2025, adding that high operating costs continue to leave local carriers with thin profit margins.
Onyema said expensive aviation fuel and numerous taxes and fees are putting significant pressure on airline finances, making it difficult for operators to remain profitable and competitive.
The comments highlight the financial pressure facing Nigerian airlines as the NCAA increases scrutiny of operational capacity, passenger protection, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
