Senate Summons Keyamo, Airlines Over Persistent Flight Delays, Cancellations

The Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), alongside airline operators and other aviation stakeholders, to address the persistent issue of flight delays and cancellations in Nigeria.

The decision followed a motion by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, during Wednesday’s plenary session. Buhari described the situation as alarming, noting that such disruptions negatively impact the country’s socio-economic growth and development.

In his motion titled “Incessant Delayed and Cancelled Flights by Airline Operators in Nigeria,” Buhari stated that these delays undermine air travel, which is critical for time-sensitive business and official engagements.

“The Senate notes that air travel is a reliable means of transportation, often undertaken for urgent purposes. Unwarranted delays and cancellations are counterproductive to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress,” Buhari said.

He emphasized that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is empowered to enforce regulations to protect consumers and ensure airlines adhere to international standards. 

However, he observed that enforcement of these regulations has been insufficient, leaving many Nigerians unaware of their rights to compensation for flight delays.

Several senators, including Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Minority Leader Abba Moro, and others, supported the motion.

The Senate resolved to mandate its Aviation Committee to engage the Minister of Aviation, the NCAA Director General, Airline Operators of Nigeria, and other stakeholders. 

The committee will investigate the root causes of the delays and cancellations to propose lasting solutions.