Tension appears to be mounting between the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, following a series of operational disruptions that have triggered regulatory scrutiny.
The aviation regulator has summoned the management of Air Peace to its headquarters in Abuja for an urgent meeting on Monday over what it described as “unexplained disruptions” affecting passengers on the airline’s international and domestic operations.
Among the incidents that prompted the meeting were complaints from passengers on the airline’s Heathrow–Abuja service who were reportedly rerouted through Gatwick and Lagos before eventually heading to Abuja. Several passengers were said to have been left stranded in Lagos after the aircraft allegedly returned due to a cracked windshield.
The situation has activated the Consumer Protection Department of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, which is also reviewing complaints related to delayed refunds, compensations, and the provision of basic passenger care.
The authority warned that it would not tolerate any situation where paying passengers are abandoned or left without adequate support.
While acknowledging its continued commitment to supporting domestic airlines, the regulator stressed that all operators must adhere strictly to aviation standards and passenger rights regulations.
“The Authority will not tolerate any abandonment of paying passengers,” the NCAA said, noting that an investigation into the disruptions would be conducted.
According to the regulator, appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation in line with the provisions of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which outlines passenger rights and airline obligations.
The development underscores growing pressure on Air Peace, which has recently expanded its international operations, even as the NCAA reiterates its role as the sole regulatory body responsible for ensuring safety, operational compliance, and consumer protection in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The regulator maintained that it remains committed to protecting the rights and interests of all stakeholders in the aviation industry.