The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed Ibom Air to compensate passengers affected by the cancellation of a scheduled flight on Friday, September 5, 2025, following complaints of poor service from some customers.
The directive came after a passenger took to social media platform X to decry the airline’s handling of the disruption.
The passenger alleged that the airline initially rescheduled the 3:30 p.m. flight to 5:20 p.m. before later instructing passengers to return for their luggage.
Responding through his X handle, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, explained that the disruption was triggered by a technical issue with the aircraft operating the route earlier in the day.
“This is considered force majeure. The delay had a knock-on effect on all other routes serviced by that aircraft,” Achimugu said, noting that safety concerns made it impossible for the airline to proceed with the flight as planned.
The NCAA spokesperson added that Ibom Air had already provided hotel accommodation to some stranded passengers and assured that all affected travelers would receive emails offering 25 percent compensation.
He further explained that while flight disruptions happen, sanctions apply only if airlines fail to comply with Part 19 of the NCAA regulations, which deal with passenger care.
“In this case, that care is being provided,” Achimugu stated, stressing that Ibom Air’s record is one of the most punctual in the industry and that Nigeria’s airspace remains safe because aircraft are not allowed to operate once any safety risk is identified.
