Christmas travellers across Nigeria are facing significant challenges as widespread flight delays and cancellations leave many stranded at various airports.
The surge in passenger demand during the holiday season has exposed a severe shortage of aircraft in the aviation sector, compounding frustrations for travellers.
“It has been an array of flight delays and outright cancellations at the airport today, December 22,” Amina Jacob, a distressed passenger recounted her experience of a cancelled flight to Kaduna after waiting for hours.
She attributed the disruptions to the lack of planes, criticizing airlines for not adequately preparing for the holiday rush.
Last month, airlines introduced additional planes through loans and partnerships, aiming to ease the anticipated holiday pressure.
However, despite these efforts and the arrival of 10 aircraft promised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), demand has far outstripped supply.
Adding to the chaos is the harmattan haze, which has caused poor visibility, forcing pilots to delay or cancel flights.
Obi Jackson, a passenger delayed for over three hours on a Lagos-Abuja flight, alleged that airlines are using weather conditions as a cover for their inability to meet the surge in demand.
They keep blaming bad weather, but these delays existed before harmattan. It’s worsened now because they simply don’t have enough planes to handle the passenger surge,” Jackson said.
Airlines have also been struggling with fleet shortages. Many aircraft remain grounded for maintenance due to soaring costs worsened by foreign exchange challenges.
BusinessDay’s findings revealed that over half of the 91 domestic planes operated by Nigerian airlines are currently unavailable, further straining the industry.
The situation has led to mounting frustration among passengers, with reports of unruly behaviour and altercations at airport terminals.