FCCPC Reminds Airlines to Provide Passenger Care During Flight Delays and Cancellations
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reiterated that airlines operating in Nigeria are legally required to take care of passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations.
According to the Commission, affected travellers are entitled to basic support such as refreshments, communication assistance, and, in more severe cases, accommodation and transport arrangements when disruptions occur.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, explained that these obligations are part of consumer protection regulations governing airline operations.
“You should receive refreshments if your flight is delayed. You should get airtime after a few more hours of delay,” he said.
He further noted that passengers should be assisted in situations where delays extend into distressing periods, including provisions for communication support.
Ijagwu also explained that when flights are suddenly cancelled after long waiting periods, airlines are expected to provide additional support such as lodging and transportation, depending on the situation.
He added that each complaint is assessed individually based on circumstances such as delay duration and airline response.
The FCCPC’s reminder comes amid rising complaints from passengers over frequent delays, cancellations, and last-minute rescheduling at Nigerian airports, including Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Industry challenges have also been linked to the sharp rise in aviation fuel (Jet A1) prices, which reportedly increased from about ₦900 per litre to over ₦3,300 in recent weeks. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has warned that rising costs could threaten flight operations if not addressed.
In response, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, noted that fare adjustments may be necessary to sustain domestic airlines amid the financial pressure.
Opinion: Passenger Rights Are Clear—But Enforcement Is the Real Test
The FCCPC’s reminder is timely, especially in a system where passengers often feel stranded and unsupported during disruptions.
On paper, the rights are straightforward: care for passengers during delays, provide communication support, and ensure basic welfare. But in practice, enforcement remains the bigger challenge. Many travellers still report situations where they are left waiting for hours without clear updates or assistance.
The reality is that Nigeria’s aviation sector is currently under serious pressure. Rising fuel costs and operational constraints are affecting airlines, and that burden is gradually being passed on to passengers—sometimes in the form of delays, cancellations, or uncertainty.
However, operational challenges should not erase consumer rights. Even in difficult conditions, communication and basic care can significantly reduce passenger frustration.
At the same time, airlines also need financial stability to function effectively. This creates a delicate balance between sustainability and service quality.
Ultimately, the solution will require more than reminders. Stronger enforcement, clearer accountability, and improved infrastructure are needed to ensure that passenger rights are not just stated—but consistently respected.
