Passengers in Nigerian airports experienced some of the highest flight delays and cancellations rates in the first half of 2024.

Flight delays and cancellations on some Nigerian routes have become frequent, caused by weather conditions and operational challenges.

Passengers experience delays and cancellations during Xmas

Passengers travelling through Nigerian airports during the holiday period experienced delays due to concerns about potential last-minute delays or cancellations.

As the holiday season begins, increased passenger traffic may result in crowded airports and longer delays.

According to Business Insider, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos rank among the 10 busiest airports in Africa, with a significant part of the continent’s air traffic.

NCAA reports the number of flight cancellations and delays

The report said about 15.89 million passengers moved through Nigeria’s airports in 2023.

The delays disrupted schedules and created significant logistical challenges. Some of the delays are caused by technical issues, weather conditions, air traffic congestion, and regulatory or security checks.

According to data from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), about 19,250 passengers across Nigerian airports faced prolonged delays during the review period.

Also, the NCAA data shows that of the 35,398 flights operated by 13 domestic airlines, about 16,945 experienced delays.

Airlines in Nigeria cancelled 696 flights, representing two per cent of the total 35,398 flights operated.

The top airlines with the most delays and cancellation

Additionally, about 48% of domestic flights experienced delays. Twenty-six airlines operated 7,144 flights, with 2,305 delays and 69 cancellations.

The NCAA data shows international and local airlines with the most delays and cancellations to and from Nigeria’s airports.

Delta Airlines

Cronos

Uganda Air

Turkish Airlines

South African Airways

Air Peace

Kenya Airways

Max Air (international)

British Airways

Air Cote d'Ivoire