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Tag: NCAA

  • NCAA announces new rule for passengers boarding air flights

    NCAA announces new rule for passengers boarding air flights

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Tuesday announced that all mobile phones must be switched off during flight take-off and landing henceforth.

    The NCAA Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, made this known at the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) meeting following the two recent incidents of passengers’ unruly behavior at the nation’s airports.

    Najomo stated that a memo will be sent to all airlines to update their protocols to include the new rule.

    He warned that incidents of unruly passenger behaviours in the aviation sector could damage public trust if not properly handled.

    NCAA DG said that the meeting was aimed at determining and deploying immediate corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, even as he highlighted the importance of training, retraining, and continuous training on matters related to aviation security.

    According to him, “Today’s engagement is not about pointing fingers or apportioning blame – No, that would not achieve the desired results – It is rather about listening, discussing and awakening us to our individual and collective responsibilities towards a safe and secure air transport sector.

    “We are here also to analyse and understand the chain of failures that permitted the incidents, unify and strengthen inter-agency coordination, determine and deploy immediate corrective measures, identify ‘quick wins’ and policy gaps, reiterate the need for training and awareness on aviation security.”

    Also speaking, the director of public affairs and consumer protection at NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said it is mandatory for all passengers on board an aircraft to obey the instructions of the pilot and cabin crew.

    He maintained that while the passengers seek to enforce their rights, they should ensure that they do their responsibilities as passengers in order to ensure the safety of the flight.

    He explained that uncooperative suspects are handled differently from a cooperative suspects, noting that, “This is global. In Nigeria, we are even more humane. In most cases abroad, even if you are cooperative, unruly behaviour is treated with extreme prejudice.”

    He said: “I am happy about the recent events. I am proud of the way the NCAA handled these issues. There is not one party involved that would repeat their errors. Not KWAM 1. Not Comfort. Not the pilot or cabin crew. But, there are gaps in the system that need to be plucked as a matter of urgency.”

  • Another headache for KWAM 1 as NCAA tags act ‘terrorist’ extends ban from 6months to indefinite

    Another headache for KWAM 1 as NCAA tags act ‘terrorist’ extends ban from 6months to indefinite

    Fuji King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, has been banned indefinitely after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) upgraded his six-month flight ban to a full no-fly order pending outcome of probe.

    This development was revealed on Tuesday night by NCAA spokesman Michael Achimugu on Channels Television, who accused the singer of conduct tantamount to “a terrorist act” during his airport bust-up.

    The August 5, 2025, incident at Abuja Airport saw KWAM 1 attempt to board a ValueJet flight with a flask containing an unidentified liquid. When security insisted on inspecting it, he allegedly splashed the contents on an officer before blocking the aircraft from taxiing.

    A furious Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo waded in, branding it a “hostage situation” and ordering an immediate no-fly listing—domestically and internationally—warning airlines that defy the ban could lose their licenses.

    The NCAA swiftly imposed a six-month suspension, followed by letters to the Attorney-General and Inspector-General of Police urging criminal prosecution for obstructing aviation operations.

    Now, Achimugu says that punishment has been stretched to an indefinite ban while investigators dig in, stressing that the matter is far from over.

    KWAM 1 has since apologised, claiming the flask contained only water for medical reasons. But regulators remain unmoved, as legal trouble and possible court action loom over the Fuji legend.

  • Drama as unruly passenger disrupts, attacks crew at Ibom air flight (Video)

    Drama as unruly passenger disrupts, attacks crew at Ibom air flight (Video)

    A video showing the moment a female passenger is seen assaulting a flight attendant and confronting airport security officials at the Murtala Muhammed International airport, Lagos after arriving on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo has surfaced on social media.

    In the various videos posted on X (formerly Twitter) by a user, @OHOgunbiyi showed the visibly agitated passenger, dressed in a white top and black trousers, yelling at officials who attempted to pacify her.

    In another video, the passenger is seen physically attacking a female air hostess, with eyewitnesses claiming she slapped the crew member.

    Watch video below;

     

     

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    A post shared by Ije-Luv (@ijeomadaisy)

    However, Airport police later intervened to restore calm after the disturbance drew the attention of travellers and staff.

    Reacting, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, attributed the confrontation to the passenger’s refusal to comply with crew instructions.

    In a post on X late Sunday, he said: “When cabin crew ask you to turn off your phone before takeoff or landing, simply comply. I can’t understand why simple routine issues would lead to incidents like this.

    “Passengers need to understand they have responsibilities, not just rights. More details will be addressed tomorrow.”

  • NCAA petitions AGF, IG to investigate, prosecute KWAM 1

    NCAA petitions AGF, IG to investigate, prosecute KWAM 1

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to investigation the incident involving a musician, King Wasiu Ayinde, and domestic airline, ValueJet.

    ‎This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA on Thursday in Abuja.

    ‎The incident, which occurred on Tuesday reportedly disrupted standard operational procedures and raised concerns over passenger conduct and airline safety protocols.

    The statement said preliminary reports revealed that during a scheduled ValueJet flight VK201, Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, allegedly involved in actions that violated the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations.

    ‎”While full details of the incident are still being compiled, the NCAA has emphasised the importance of upholding aviation safety standards and ensuring accountability, regardless of the parties involved.

    ‎”In a letter addressed to both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police, the NCAA called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.

    “Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, has also issued an advisory to Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), urging immediate consideration and institution of a No-Fly List for K1 De Ultimate(on any commercial flight), pending outcome of official investigations,” the statement said.

    ‎It noted that the advisory was in line with global aviation standards that prioritise the safety of passengers, crew and airline operations.

    ‎”The NCAA reiterates its commitment to ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or public image, undermines the integrity of our aviation industry as passengers are held to the same standards of behaviour and compliance within Nigeria’s airspace.

    ‎”Further updates will be provided as investigations progresses,” the statement added.

  • NCAA endorses solution to resolve air travel challenges

    NCAA endorses solution to resolve air travel challenges

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Thursday endorsed a client-based solution by a consortium to resolve challenges associated with NigerΨair travel.

    The Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said that the solution would provide protection for passengers in the event of flight disruptions.

    Najomo was represented by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Micheal Achimugu, at the unveiling of solution in Lagos.

    He said that the product was put together by three industry leaders to ensure seamless coordination, funding and operational reliability to boost efficiency in air travel.

    According to him, the new solution –  Propel Re Protection System – is a unique tech-powered platform designed to help Nigerian carriers to re-protect passengers when flights disruptions occur.

    “We are on the threshold of history. It is not a day for flowery words. The minister wants flight disruptions reduced to the barest minimum.

    “In this industry, the passenger is the reason every other stakeholder exists. They are entitled, therefore, to better services and in accordance with global best standards,” he said.

    According to Najomo, the solution had  got the buy-in of many domestic airlines.

    “We are proud to introduce to you, the Propel solution as initiated by Aero Assist Hub. If they secure your buy-in, and I hope they do, we may just make history by fixing the most critical aspect of civil aviation in Nigeria,” he said.

    The Managing Director of Aero Assist Hub, Mr Olugbinde Ojutelayo, said the consortium worked hard to come up with the solution.

    “We are a consortium of three organisations. We have Avitech Technology Solutions, experts and industry leaders in aviation sector.

    “We have Leadway Assurance. We basically crafted this solution, working with these two organisations.

    “The idea is to put a final solution to this whole chaotic problem of flight disruption in Nigeria. We are not just coming with an idea, we are also coming with finance.

    “We understand what the problem has been, many airlines are working with very thin margin, and when there is a disruption, it becomes a problem for them,” he said.

    According to Ojutelayo, the pilot phase will begin in August.

    “The pilot phase will begin in August and run for eight months, then we continue to the next phase,” he said.

    The Head, Legal Unit at Aero Assist Hub, Funke Junaid said: “It is something that comes as a solution to what has been happening in the industry, regarding delays and cancellations.

    “From the legal perspective, customers will be deriving their rights from the airlines.

    “All the normal protected customer rights are still in existence, and that stands between the customer and the airlines. It is a win win for the industry.”

    A representative of Leadway Assurance, Diana Mulili, said the introduction of the Propel solution would revolutionise air travel in Nigeria.

    “When we approached this problem, we realised that it was a growing problem across the industry, and we needed to create a product that would work to solve the local problem.

    “A minimal insurance premium guarantees a passenger that, should any disruption happen, he or she will get an alternative on another airline, and it is very seamless,” Mulili said.

  • NCAA grants AMO certification to Flybird

    NCAA grants AMO certification to Flybird

    To further enhance Nigeria’s aircraft maintenance, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted Flybird Aircraft Management Services Ltd. an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certification.

    Capt. Ahmed Borodo, Flybird’s Chief Executive Officer, confirmed this in a statement on Sunday.

    Borodo said the approval marked a major step in the company’s ongoing commitment to safety, service quality, and operational excellence.

    With the certification, Flybird is now officially authorised to perform aircraft maintenance in line with both national and international aviation standards.

    Borodo added that the approval boosts Flybird’s capacity to deliver full Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) solutions to its own fleet and to third-party clients.

    “This certification is a strategic milestone as we build a comprehensive aviation services platform.

    “Our clients will benefit from faster turnaround times, improved maintenance quality, and enhanced operational reliability through our in-house technical services.

    “We appreciate the NCAA’s support and their trust in our systems, processes, and personnel,” Borodo said.

    He noted that the AMO certification places Flybird among the few Nigerian private jet operators with NCAA-approved maintenance capabilities.

    This reinforces Flybird’s leadership in business aviation services across West Africa.

    Ms Paulina Ogbaji, Flybird’s Line and Base Maintenance Manager, also welcomed the certification.

    “This validates the dedication and skill of our maintenance team,” Ogbaji said.

    She noted that Flybird has upheld high technical standards and is ready to support an expanding fleet with safe and efficient operations.

    In 2024, Flybird also received an NCAA Air Operators Certificate as a non-scheduled carrier.

  • Air Peace passengers stranded as antelope grounds aircraft

    Air Peace passengers stranded as antelope grounds aircraft

    A large antelope has grounded an aircraft belonging to Air Peace, resulting in the disruption of scheduled flights and leaving passengers infuriated.

    It was gathered that the Air Peace aircraft collided with the antelope on Saturday while taxiing on the runway of the Asaba International Airport, Asaba, the capital of Delta State.

    The incident, which decimated the animal, resulted in the aircraft being marked Aircraft on Ground (AOG).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed the unforeseen incident.

    NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, who confirmed the incident, stressed incidents like this are part of the challenges that lead to flight disruptions.

    “Incidents like this are literal illustrations of the disruptions not caused by the airlines (domestic or international),” Achimugu said.

    He, however, noted: “this explainer is for illustration purpose, not to excuse airlines when they fail to do their duties to passengers”.

    He went further to note that even with situations like this, the airline still owes its passengers refund and other forms of care they are entitled to.

    The NCAA Director stressed that Air Peace could still be sanctioned if they fail to provide information, refund and other forms of care passengers are entitled to.

    “Monitoring reports yesterday indicated that an Air Peace aircraft ran into a large antelope, decimating the animal and leaving the aircraft AOG (aircraft on ground).

    “As a result, flights meant to be operated by this aircraft would naturally be disrupted, even though engineers are on the ground to assess and fix the plane. Passengers waiting would naturally be infuriated.

    “Incidents like this are literal illustrations of the disruptions NOT caused by the airlines (domestic or international).

    “This explainer is for illustration purpose, not to excuse airlines when they fail to do their duties to passengers.

    “Even with situations like this, the airline still owes its passengers the information, refund, and other forms of care they are entitled to, and can still be sanctioned if they fail to provide same,” the NCAA Director stated.

  • NCAA sanctions Kenya Airways over passenger complaints

    NCAA sanctions Kenya Airways over passenger complaints

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sanctioned Kenya Airways for several consumer-related violations involving three passengers, including one Gloria Omisore.

    This is contained in a statement on Friday by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

    Achimugu stated the NCAA issued a sanction letter on Wednesday to Kenya Airways regarding the passengers’ complaints.

    “The infractions include failure to provide care, lack of transparency in carriage terms, poor communication with the Authority, and mishandling refunds and baggage.

    “In accordance with the NCAA Regulations 2023, Kenya Airways must pay fines and compensate each affected passenger with 1,000 special drawing rights.

    “The airline has seven days to comply. Failure to do so will result in more severe penalties,” Achimugu said.

  • NCAA to sanction airports without appropriate permits – Official

    NCAA to sanction airports without appropriate permits – Official

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned that local airports operating without the necessary permits will face sanctions starting Jan. 1, 2026.

    The Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at NCAA, Godwin Balang made this known on Monday at the Airstrip Owners and Operators Stakeholders Engagement Programme in Lagos.

    According to Balang, this is not a threat but a collective resolve.

    He said there are about 92 Airstrips (operational, non-operational and some under rehabilitation/new constructions) in Nigeria based on the existing NCAA Airstrip database.

    According to him, interestingly, a few are already up to date with their valid operational permits.

    “The aviation landscape has changed drastically in recent years so the regulatory strategies must necessarily align with the realities of the season for a more impactful result.

    “We will therefore need to tweak our regulations and other guiding documents accordingly. This is the crux of this engagement.

    “It is worthy of mention that among these 92 airstrips 68 are Federal Government airstrips being managed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

    “While 24 belong to individuals and private organisations. This brings to the fore the need for deeper engagement of the NCAA with the Ministry to streamline the operator and regulator status for effective management,” said Balang.

    According to him, Section 71 (3) &; (4)(a) of the CAA 2022 empowers the Authority to certify and grant permits to conduct Aerodrome operations in Nigeria and to establish minimum safety standards for the design, operation, and maintenance of Aerodrome.

    He said that the engagement was an alignment with this mandate to advance airstrip regulation in Nigeria.

    “Besides the basic Aerodrome and Ground Aids (AGA) processes for permits, the importance of Aviation security will be emphasised.

    “There is a need to fashion out strategies to address emerging threats while maximizing the use of the airstrips to contribute significantly to our socio-economic development as a nation.

    “We are conscious of the fact that one day is obviously not enough to exhaust discussions on this important subject,” he said.

    The Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, identifying the objectives of the engagement,  reiterated the purpose of regulatory duties enshrined in the Civil Aviation Act 2022.

    He said the engagement was to: “enhance communication between NCAA state

    and private airstrip operators/owners; to clarify regulatory requirements applicable to airstrip construction, operations and safety standards

    “To identify and address challenges faced by state and private airstrip operators; to explore collaborative opportunities for airstrip development and integration into Nigeria’s aviation system. And finally.

    “To promote the adoption of global best practices in airstrip operations and management,” Najomo said.

    He, however, expressed hope that the objectives would be fully realised and airstrip operations in Nigeria will, henceforth, be conducted in strict compliance with all regulatory provisions and global best practices.

    According to Najomo, the gathering is in fulfillment of this mandate with emphasis on airstrip operations, while ICAO Annex 14 Volume I specifies standards for certification of aerodromes, these standards may be considered over-reaching for airstrips.

    “In line with our ease of-doing-business principle therefore, NCAA is working tirelessly to promulgate regulations customised for airstrips which would be a catalyst for the promotion and

    development of general aviation.

    “While of course, maintaining safety standards. This aligns, strategically, with the Minister’s five-point agenda,” he added.

    The engagement is with the theme: “Enhancing Safety, Compliance and Collaboration for Efficient Airstrips Operations”.

    The event had the representatives of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology; Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau; Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria among other aviation stakeholders.

  • NCAA warns Int’l airlines on passenger travel restriction issues

    NCAA warns Int’l airlines on passenger travel restriction issues

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Thursday warned International Airlines on  passenger travel restriction issues.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Michael Achimugu, the NCAA Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs in Abuja.

    According to Achimugu, NCAA has received several complaints about airlines selling tickets to passengers, only to airlift them halfway to their destinations and return them back to Nigeria.

    “These actions, which involve refusal of boarding/entry at intermediate/transit stops to some Nigerians due to visa/travel restrictions are causing significant distress to passengers and tarnishing the reputation of aviation industry in Nigeria.

    ”NCAA finds such practices completely unacceptable. It is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destination before they commence their travel.

    “Passengers should not be put in a position where they are denied entry or returned to Nigeria only on arrival at intermediate/transit stops,” he said.

    According to him, in line with  provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 19.21.1.1, all airlines and their agents shall ensure that passengers are informed of any potential admissibility issues or travel restrictions in advance of their departure.

    The director said airlines ought to take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them.

    “In light of this, the NCAA informs all international airlines operating in Nigeria that the Authority will no longer tolerate these occurrences.

    “Effective immediately, any airline found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations, or other measures deemed appropriate.

    “NCAA expects the cooperation of all airlines in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the aviation industry, as well as ensuring the well-being of Nigerian passengers.”